In March 2025, Justin Sun @justinsuntron appeared on the cover of *Forbes*, becoming the fourth crypto figure to receive this attention, following CZ, SBF, and Brian Armstrong.

For him personally, this was an important "mainstream media certification"; for the industry, it also reflects the subtle changes in the relationship between traditional finance and the crypto world.

As the founder of TRON, Justin Sun has long been the subject of discussion due to his high-profile statements, controversial events, and marketing activities.

From the "Buffett lunch" to "auctioning the most expensive banana," he has always been at the center of attention. However, as TRON has become one of the main issuing networks for stablecoins (especially $USDT), and with its deep ties to the Trump family's crypto project WLFI, his role is shifting from "hype man" to "blockchain financial participant."

*Forbes*'s choice of Justin Sun this time is also related to the current industry trend.

With Bitcoin breaking $100K, stablecoins moving towards compliance, and traditional financial institutions starting to get involved in crypto, the crypto industry is gradually becoming mainstream. TRON's current stablecoin market cap has exceeded $66B, and the stablecoin network function has become its strategic focus.

In addition, Justin Sun's collaboration with the Trump family to develop the stablecoin USD1, as well as his role in Huobi HTX's internationalization strategy, and as one of the largest investors in WLFI, it is possible that Justin Sun may use political resources to promote HTX's compliance path in markets such as the United States.

Looking back at his growth trajectory, from an early "controversial figure" to the protagonist of the *Forbes* cover today, Justin Sun remains controversial.

The path represented by @justinsuntron may not be the ideal template for all practitioners, but it is a possibility in the context of reality.

Beyond the cover, what kind of leaders does the industry need?

This is a question for everyone.