The cryptocurrency community is closely watching a highly anticipated event this week: a gala dinner hosted by former U.S. President Donald Trump, inviting the top investors of his meme coin, $TRUMP . Set to take place Thursday at a golf course near Washington, D.C., the exclusive event has attracted both attention and criticism from political circles and the broader crypto market.

Gala Dinner for Top 220 Investors

The event will welcome the top 220 holders of the TRUMP meme coin, with the top 25 investors granted access to a private reception attended by Trump himself. Notably, the majority of these elite investors are based outside the United States, with 19 of the top 25 wallets identified as belonging to international participants.

Justin Sun Among High-Profile Attendees

Tron founder Justin Sun ranks as the largest investor in the TRUMP token, reportedly holding approximately $20 million worth. Sun has confirmed his attendance at the gala and expressed support for Trump, stating: “As President Trump’s biggest supporter, I am honored to attend the gala invitation.”

Sun's presence in the U.S. has also drawn attention, given prior investigations into his activities by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). His recent social media posts from the Hollywood sign and the Worldcoin Orbs center in West Hollywood further fueled public interest.

Other Notable Attendees

In second place is Singapore-based cryptocurrency firm MemeCore, which invested approximately $18 million in TRUMP tokens. Other top investors include Kain Warwick, a Boston-based tennis coach and guitarist who also founded a crypto startup in Australia over a decade ago. Warwick disclosed he acquired a substantial amount of TRUMP in January and expressed surprise at the opportunity to attend the event.

Ogle, an anonymous cybersecurity expert renowned for recovering stolen crypto assets, will also attend. He reportedly holds about $3.25 million in TRUMP tokens. Additional top-25 investors using pseudonyms—such as Smooth Operator, Booblino, GiantBabyCorn, and 0xSolarcurve—are expected to be revealed at the event.

The gala has drawn strong criticism from Trump’s political opponents, particularly among Democrats. Critics argue that Trump’s personal and financial ties to the meme coin market could serve as a conduit for foreign and corporate influence over a former—and potentially future—U.S. president.

Senator Richard Blumenthal called the event “an unprecedented bribery scheme in which the highest bidder gained access to the presidency.” Several Democratic lawmakers have since proposed legislation aimed at preventing elected officials and senior executive branch members from issuing or endorsing cryptocurrencies.

Opponents also warn that Trump’s use of a presidential platform to promote a financial asset in which he holds significant interest presents serious risks to national security and public trust.

A Tense Intersection of Politics and Crypto

As the event unfolds, it marks a significant moment in the convergence of digital assets and U.S. politics. While some see the dinner as an innovative move to engage the crypto community, others view it as a troubling example of private financial interests blurring the lines of public leadership.

The outcome of the gala, both in terms of public reception and potential regulatory response, could shape how cryptocurrency is perceived and governed in the political sphere going forward.

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