Meme Coin $TRUMP Surges After Trump Dinner Offer, Faces Backlash and Protests

The $TRUMP meme coin, linked to President Donald Trump, has experienced a dramatic surge in value following the announcement of an exclusive dinner offer with the president for top coin holders. The coin, which had previously lost 88% of its value after launch, soared more than 60% on the news that the top 220 buyers would be invited to a private gala at Trump National Golf Club in Washington, D.C., with the leading 25 holders receiving additional VIP access and a special tour.

This high-profile promotion has sparked both excitement and controversy. Supporters see the move as a bold, market-savvy strategy that reflects Trump’s willingness to engage directly with crypto investors. Critics, however, including lawmakers and anti-corruption groups such as Sen. Chris Murphy, have labeled the campaign “brazenly corrupt,” citing concerns about conflicts of interest and influence peddling as Trump’s administration simultaneously works to relax crypto regulations.

The $TRUMP coin, initially launched three days before Trump’s inauguration in January 2025, reached a market cap of $15 billion at its peak before plummeting in value. Despite the volatility, the Trump Organization and related entities have reportedly earned hundreds of millions in trading fees, with a portion of each transaction automatically routed to wallets controlled by the project’s creators.

The controversy has spilled over into public protests, with demonstrators gathering outside Trump’s golf club to denounce the coin as a “scam.” Meanwhile, blockchain analytics have revealed that a suspected team wallet recently transferred $47 million worth of $TRUMP tokens to major crypto exchanges, fueling speculation of a potential price dump and adding to investor anxiety.

The $TRUMP coin’s rollercoaster trajectory highlights the unpredictable nature of meme-based cryptocurrencies tied to public figures. While some investors remain optimistic about its future, others warn of the risks posed by extreme volatility and ethical concerns surrounding the intersection of politics and digital assets. The debate continues as the Trump family expands its crypto ventures, including plans for a Trump-branded digital wallet and other blockchain projects.