On March 22, 2025, President Donald Trump posted on TruthSocial praising Official Trump (TRUMP) – a meme coin based on Solana that his associated companies own 80%. The praise “the greatest of all time” immediately drove the token price up to $12.25, although it later fluctuated significantly. With the current price at $11.67 (up 7.7% for the day), TRUMP is causing a stir – but also raising concerns about conflicts of interest and constitutional risks. What is really happening?
Trump Drives Token Prices: Heating Up and Cooling Down
10:33 AM Sunday (ET), Trump posted on #TruthSocial : “I LOVE $TRUMP – SO AMAZING!!! The greatest of all time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!” The post triggered the TRUMP price to rise from the day's low to a peak of $12.25, before dropping to $11.67 (CoinGecko). Despite a 7.7% increase in 24 hours, the token is still down 84% from its peak of $73.4 at launch in January 2025.
Luis Buenaventura from GCash told Decrypt: “The market is no longer very excited about the Trump token, even though investors know it could bring small short-term profits.” The token's website claims “not an investment opportunity,” but its value is clearly tied to the Trump brand and his promotion.
Ownership Structure: 80% in Trump's Hands
CIC Digital LLC and Fight Fight Fight LLC – two companies linked to $TRUMP according to financial records – hold 80% of the TRUMP supply. These entities directly benefit from transactions and price increases. This differs from World Liberty Financial (also related to the Trump family), which just raised $390 million from the second token sale earlier this month. With Trump holding the majority, every price increase is a financial “boost” for him and his companies.
Constitutional Risks: “Where Does the Money Come From?”
The sitting president promoting tokens for personal gain raises significant controversy. Andrew Rossow, digital media lawyer and CEO of AR Media, warns Decrypt about three constitutional risks:
Emoluments Clauses: Prohibit the President from receiving financial benefits from domestic or foreign sources without the consent of Congress. The TRUMP token allows “foreign parties to purchase anonymously, potentially influencing U.S. policy indirectly.”
Separation of Powers: Trump promoting personal assets undermines the SEC, CFTC, “eroding trust in fair governance.”
Equality and Process (Fifth Amendment): Favoring TRUMP creates an unfair playing field, disadvantaging other tokens.
Rossow emphasizes that federal ethics laws prohibit public officials from creating conflicts between public duty and private interests. With 80% of the supply, #TRUMP 's actions “directly conflict with the role of President.”
Impact on the Crypto Market
TRUMP Token: A 7.7% price increase shows Trump's influence, but an 84% decrease from the peak shows a lack of sustainability.
Solana: The platform of TRUMP (~$134, 03/19) may benefit indirectly from transaction traffic.
Crypto industry: The incident ties crypto with politicization, potentially inviting stricter regulations from Congress.
Context: Trump And Crypto Commitment
Trump once pledged to lead the U.S. in crypto, from establishing the $BTC Reserve to challenging the Fed. Promoting the TRUMP token fits this strategy, but raises concerns about transparency. Trump's representatives have not responded to Decrypt, leaving many unanswered questions.
Conclusion: “The Greatest” or The Biggest Trap?
Trump's praise pushed the Official Trump token price high, but behind it are significant constitutional risks and conflicts of interest. With 80% of the supply in hand, he turns the meme coin into a personal “money printing machine” – but also places the crypto industry in a difficult position between opportunity and controversy. Is TRUMP truly “the greatest,” or just a double-edged sword cutting into market trust? As prices soar and then cool down, the answer remains hanging – and investors are holding their breath watching.
Risk Warning: Crypto investments carry high risks due to price volatility. Please consider carefully before participating.