Trump Hosts $148m Meme Coin Dinner as Critics Slam 'Crypto Corruption'

Investors gain access to US President through meme coin purchases as protests erupt and ethical concerns mount

Trump Welcomes Crypto Investors at Private Golf Club

US President Donald Trump hosted a controversial black-tie dinner for investors in his $TRUMP meme coin at his private golf club in Virginia, sparking public backlash and protests over the ethical implications of mixing politics with personal profit.

Around 220 major investors attended the exclusive event, which critics have branded a symbol of corruption and influence peddling.

$148 Million Spent to Secure a Seat

According to blockchain intelligence firm Inca Digital, investors spent approximately $148 million (£110 million) in total, with the top 25 contributors responsible for over $111 million (£82.5 million). Access to the dinner was granted based on the volume of $TRUMP coins held.

President Trump delivered a 30-minute speech before dancing to “YMCA”, though no new crypto policy announcements were made.

Trump's Family Reaps Massive Gains

Chainalysis reports that two companies, one controlled by the Trump family, hold 80% of the remaining $TRUMP coins, earning over $320 million (£238 million) to date—including £1 million in the lead-up to the dinner.

Critics argue that the president has effectively auctioned off access to himself, with concerns amplified by reports that more than half of the attending investors are based overseas.

Protests and Political Backlash

As guests arrived, over 100 protesters gathered outside the Trump National Golf Club holding signs reading “America is not for sale” and “Stop crypto corruption”. Senator Elizabeth Warren called the dinner an “orgy of corruption”, condemning what she views as the monetisation of presidential influence.

Despite the event being described as taking place during Trump's “personal time”, the use of the official presidential seal raised further concerns about the blurring of public and private interests.

White House Defends President’s Actions

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the event, stating:

“All of the president’s assets are in a blind trust, managed by his children. Americans re-elected him because he’s a successful businessman who chose to serve his country.”

Still, ethical questions persist over whether public office is being used for private enrichment.

High-Profile Guests Spark Scrutiny

Among the attendees was crypto billionaire Justin Sun, who won a seat at the dinner by holding $18.5 million (£13.76 million) in $TRUMP coin—making him the largest publicly known investor. Sun posted videos of his visit to the White House complex and the dinner itself.

Not all guests were publicly identified. Some, like a figure known only as "Ogle", wore disguises to protect their anonymity.

Even prominent Trump supporters in the crypto space expressed unease.

“It’s distasteful and an unnecessary distraction,” said Nic Carter, partner at Castle Island Ventures.

After-Party: 'Meme The Night'

The event concluded with an after-party hosted by Singapore-based meme-coin group MemeCore, continuing the theme of crypto spectacle and influencer culture.

Sources: (SKY.com, Reuters)