Justin Sun, the founder of Tron, has announced the launch of USDD 2.0, a revamped version of the failed stablecoin USDD. The new iteration promises an eye-catching 20% annual percentage yield (APY), fully subsidized by Tron’s reserves. However, the crypto community remains cautious, citing transparency concerns and the underwhelming track record of USDD 1.0.
A Risky Relaunch for USDD
In his announcement on social media, Sun emphasized that all interest payments for the 20% APY would be deposited into a transparent address ahead of time. “It’s simply because we have plenty of money,” Sun said, addressing questions about the sustainability of such high returns.
Despite these assurances, many remain unconvinced. The original USDD, launched in 2022, faced significant challenges, including the loss of its dollar peg multiple times and concerns over its collateral. Initially offering a 30% APY, the first iteration of USDD was eventually delisted from major exchanges following its failure to maintain stability.
Transparency and Sustainability Concerns
The collapse of USDD 1.0 was marked by controversies around its collateral structure. In August 2024, Tron DAO Reserve withdrew approximately 12,000 Bitcoin from USDD’s reserves without prior approval from the decentralized autonomous organization (DAO). This left the stablecoin primarily backed by Tron’s native token, TRX, which raised questions about its transparency and risk management.
These past missteps have left the community skeptical about whether Tron can deliver on its ambitious promises with USDD 2.0.
Financial Viability Under Scrutiny
Critics are questioning how Tron plans to sustain the 20% APY while achieving profitability. Although Sun has emphasized Tron’s financial resources, including a $30 million investment in Trump’s World Liberty Financial last year, the reliance on reserves to fund user payouts raises concerns about the long-term viability of the stablecoin.
The crypto community has also noted parallels between USDD’s high-yield promises and other failed projects that offered unsustainable returns, which often ended in significant losses for investors.
Community Skepticism Persists
While Sun’s announcement has garnered attention, it has also highlighted the tension between ambitious promises and the crypto community’s demand for transparency and accountability. With USDD 2.0’s launch on the horizon, many are watching closely to see if Tron can overcome the hurdles that plagued its predecessor.
As the project moves forward, questions about the source of funding, the stability of the stablecoin, and the transparency of Tron’s operations will likely remain at the forefront of the discussion.
