Former President Donald Trump is turning his attention to the crypto crowd with not one, but two dinners this month. And surprise, they're not your average "let’s discuss policy over a casual meal" type of event.
First up, Trump made an appearance at the $1.5 million-per-plate “Crypto & AI Innovators Dinner” at Trump National Golf Club in Virginia on Monday. The event, organized by MAGA Inc., was closed to the press, so no pictures of Trump awkwardly trying to look interested while nodding politely at tech jargon. The night featured "crypto czar" David Sacks, because apparently every crypto event needs a czar (who knew?).
And just to make sure he’s covering all bases, Trump announced another gala on May 22 exclusively for holders of the $TRUMP meme coin. Because if you didn’t think cryptocurrency and politics could get more ridiculous, now you can secure a fancy seat by simply owning some $TRUMP tokens. Just make sure you hold enough, because access to this black-tie optional dinner depends entirely on your token balance. The event’s website is even running a live leaderboard—nothing like a little competition to make your wallet sweat.
Of course, this entire spectacle has sparked the usual outrage from lawmakers. Senators like Elizabeth Warren and Representative Adam Schiff have accused Trump of selling direct access to wealthy crypto backers in exchange for… well, let’s just say "investment opportunities." They’ve even gone as far as calling the meme coin gala a clear case of “exclusive access to the presidency” for those with deep pockets. And let’s not forget Trump’s stablecoin, USD1, launched by a company tied to his son Eric, which has been making waves as the seventh-largest stablecoin in the world. Apparently, "draining the swamp" now involves a lot of digital coins and off-the-record dinners.
Warren, ever the skeptic, isn’t impressed, saying the whole operation "looks like corruption, smells like corruption" and could be a major conflict of interest. She’s also raising alarms about a Republican-backed bill that could “greenlight the grift” if passed.
Meanwhile, the event is drawing the attention of watchdog groups, who are deeply concerned about the anonymity of token holders. With the dinner’s access possibly in the hands of foreign actors (or possibly crypto magnate Justin Sun), the transparency of political crypto fundraising is now firmly under the microscope.
Despite all the drama, the $TRUMP token is doing great. After the dinner announcement last month, its value soared by more than 50%. Because who wouldn’t want a chance to dine with Trump and tour the White House—if your crypto wallet is big enough? The top 220 holders will get a spot, with the highest 25 securing a private reception and tour of the White House. Just don’t expect a selfie with Trump, though—his attendance is still, apparently, "not guaranteed."
So, if you're into politics, crypto, and a little bit of controversy, these two dinners are the must-attend events of the season. Just make sure your $TRUMP tokens are in order!
HODL Team
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