Former U.S. President Donald Trump’s meme cryptocurrency, $TRUMP, has surged more than 70% in value following the announcement of an exclusive black-tie dinner with Trump himself for top holders of the token. The event, set for May 22 at Trump National Golf Club in Washington, D.C., is being promoted as a high-profile reward for the top 220 wallet holders.
According to the coin’s official website, the top 25 holders will also gain access to a private reception with Trump, described as a rare opportunity to engage directly with the former president. The promotional campaign includes a live leaderboard that ranks holders based on both the size and duration of their holdings between April 23 and May 12.
Also Read: Trump Signals Tariff Easing in Evolving China Trade Dynamics
The $TRUMP coin, launched just before Trump’s second inauguration, is part of a broader digital strategy that includes NFTs and crypto-based investment tools. With this latest push, Trump continues to promote his image as the “crypto president,” aligning his platform more closely with digital asset enthusiasts.
Alongside the event, Trump’s administration has made moves to institutionalize crypto on a federal level, establishing a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and a Digital Asset Stockpile. A presidential working group on digital assets is also in place, further deepening his administration’s footprint in the crypto space.
However, the dinner-for-holders scheme has drawn significant backlash from ethics groups and political adversaries, who claim it blurs the lines between financial promotion and political privilege. Critics argue it commodifies presidential access and sets a troubling precedent in the intersection of money, politics, and speculative investment.
