President Donald Trump recently announced a private dinner for the 220 largest holders of the $TRUMP meme coin he launched just before taking office. This has raised eyebrows, especially among U.S. Senators who are questioning his motives.
The dinner was advertised on the $TRUMP coin homepage, offering a VIP package for the top 25 holders. This package includes a private reception with Trump and a tour of the White House the following day. The contest winners will be decided based on how much of the coin they own and how long they hold it between April 23 and May 12. In simple terms, the more $TRUMP you hold, and the longer you hold it, the better your ranking.
At its peak, a $TRUMP token was valued at $75.35 on January 19, the day before Trump’s inauguration. However, it has since lost 88% of its value, dropping to $9.18 before the contest announcement. After the news broke, the price surged over 50%, reaching a high of $14.32, adding an impressive $100 million in market value, according to CBS.
Democratic Senators expressed outrage. Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT) called it “the most brazenly corrupt thing a President has ever done” on social media. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Adam Schiff (D-CA) even wrote to the U.S. Office of Ethics, asking for an investigation into possible "pay-to-play" corruption, suggesting that Trump and his team may be profiting by granting special access to influential individuals and organizations.
Despite the Senators’ concerns, an investigation is unlikely. The Republicans control both chambers of Congress, and in February, Trump dismissed the new director of the Office of Ethics shortly after his Senate confirmation.
In recent years, Trump has increasingly engaged with the crypto community. During his second presidential campaign, he appointed David Sacks as a “crypto czar” to shape policies around digital currency. He even created a “Bitcoin Strategic Reserve” and disbanded the unit in the Justice Department that handled crypto fraud. In return, crypto firms have contributed millions to his campaign efforts, reflecting a growing public interest in cryptocurrency and the political connections it fosters.
As meme coins like $TRUMP gain traction, they represent a blend of finance, entertainment, and political influence. The ongoing developments around Trump and this coin may shape discussions on ethics and governance in the digital currency space.
For a deeper understanding of these dynamics, you can explore insights from trusted sources like The Associated Press or CoinDesk.
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Crypto,Policy,Politics,Tech