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简体中文A “dinner with Trump” contest tied to the $TRUMP memecoin has reportedly lined the pockets of insiders with an estimated $900,000 in just two days, raising eyebrows and sparking ethical debates.
The $TRUMP Token Surge: Dinner is Served (to Top Holders)
The buzz began after the $TRUMP coin’s website announced that the top 220 holders would be invited to a dinner with President Trump. This news triggered a surge in the coin’s value, jumping over 50% and pushing its market capitalization to $2.7 billion.
Details of the Exclusive Event
The exclusive dinner, described as black-tie optional, is scheduled to be held at the president’s private club in the Washington D.C. area on May 22nd, with a reception for the top 25 holders. According to the website, a “VIP White House Tour” is also planned for the following day. A live leaderboard on the site displays the usernames of the leading buyers.
Critics Cry Foul: “Brazenly Corrupt”?
The event has drawn sharp criticism, with some political opponents accusing President Trump of using cryptocurrency to enrich himself. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn) labeled the sale as “the most brazenly corrupt thing a President has ever done.”
Chainalysis data suggests that approximately 80% of the $TRUMP token supply is controlled by the Trump Organization and affiliates. Trading activity since the coin’s launch in January has generated about $324.5 million in fees for insiders.
What is a Memecoin?
Memecoins derive their value largely from internet trends, memes, and social media hype rather than practical utility. While speculative, some have achieved billion-dollar market caps.
Ethical Concerns and Potential Conflicts of Interest
Critics argue that the dinner contest represents a blatant attempt to monetize presidential access. Senators Adam Schiff and Elizabeth Warren have urged the U.S. Office of Government Ethics to investigate the promotion, raising concerns about potential “pay to play” corruption.
Delaney Marsco, director of ethics at the Campaign Legal Center, stated that while the contest is unlikely to be illegal due to the President’s exemption from criminal conflict-of-interest statutes, it creates the appearance of corruption by “selling access.”
Molly White, an independent crypto researcher, has pointed out that the leaderboard only reveals the top holders’ chosen screen names, making it challenging to identify the individuals potentially attending the dinner.
It has also been reported that some $TRUMP investors have ties to foreign exchanges or received funds from crypto platforms banned in the U.S., including Binance.
Trump’s Crypto Push
Despite initially opposing digital assets, President Trump has embraced cryptocurrency, positioning himself as a champion of the industry during his 2024 campaign.
Beyond the $TRUMP coin, the Trump family is involved in other digital asset ventures, including $MELANIA and World Liberty Financial. These projects have created new revenue streams for Trump and his associates.