Trump holds luxury dinner for $TRUMP coin investors, vows return of crypto innovation to U.S.

Trump Welcomes Top Crypto Backers at Golf Club Gala

President Donald Trump hosted an exclusive dinner Thursday evening for leading investors in his $TRUMP meme coin project, reiterating his support for cryptocurrency innovation and criticizing the Biden administration’s regulatory stance. The event took place at the Trump National Golf Club in Potomac Falls, Virginia, drawing approximately 220 high-value contributors.

The top 25 investors received special access to a private VIP reception with the president. Attendees dined on filet mignon and halibut and were required to pass background checks to attend, according to reports. The Wall Street Journal cited blockchain analytics firm Inca Digital in stating that an estimated $148 million in $TRUMP coin purchases were made to secure entry to the dinner.

During his remarks, Trump accused the Biden administration of stifling the cryptocurrency sector, stating, “The Biden administration persecuted crypto innovators, and we’re bringing them back into the U.S.A. where they belong.” He added, “The past administration made your lives miserable,” referring to regulatory actions taken during Biden’s term.

“There is a lot of sense in crypto. A lot of common sense in crypto,” Trump reportedly told the audience. Social media posts from attendees described Trump’s speech as lasting about 30 minutes, concluding with him dancing to the Village People’s “YMCA.”

Controversy Over Access and Ethics

Despite official statements that Trump was attending the event in a personal capacity, he appeared behind a lectern bearing the presidential seal. The $TRUMP coin, announced just three days before his inauguration, was promoted as a lighthearted initiative for supporters. Its value spiked briefly before declining, though reports indicate the Trump Organization-linked creators profited significantly through transaction fees.

Critics have questioned the ethical implications of the event, particularly the access granted based on crypto investments. Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) joined protesters outside the venue, denouncing the gathering as “the crypto corruption club” and “the Mount Everest of corruption.”

Other demonstrators held signs reading “stop crypto corruption” and “no corrupt fools,” highlighting concerns over the administration’s potential entanglement with private cryptocurrency ventures.

Asked whether any legal counsel advised against the event, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the president was in full compliance with all conflict-of-interest laws. “To suggest otherwise is, frankly, completely absurd,” she added, defending Trump’s history of public service and personal sacrifice.

Among those in attendance was Chinese entrepreneur Justin Sun, who reportedly spent over $40 million in $TRUMP coin to attend. “I’m very excited to meet him and discuss about crypto’s future,” Sun told reporters outside the club.

As Trump intensifies his public support for cryptocurrency, Thursday’s dinner represents both a bold political statement and a lightning rod for scrutiny over presidential ethics and financial entanglements.