#DinnerWithTrump Donald Trump has recently been actively engaged with the cryptocurrency space, particularly through a high-profile dinner event.
On May 22, 2025, Donald Trump hosted a private dinner for the top investors in his "$TRUMP" meme coin at his golf club near Washington, D.C. This event garnered significant attention due to its exclusivity and the unique way guests earned their invitations.
Here's a breakdown of what happened:
* Who was invited? The dinner was for the top 220 holders of the "$TRUMP" meme coin. This was effectively a contest, with individuals who held the most of this specific cryptocurrency over a three-week period earning a seat at the table.
* Cost of entry: While there wasn't a direct "ticket price" in the traditional sense, attendees effectively "paid" for their seats by purchasing large amounts of the $TRUMP meme coin. Reports indicate that on average, guests spent over $1.7 million to secure a spot, with the top seven buyers spending more than $10 million each. The total amount spent by the top 220 holders was estimated to be between $140 million and nearly $400 million.
* Perks for top investors: Beyond the dinner, the top 25 holders of the $TRUMP meme coin were promised additional VIP perks, including a private cocktail reception with Trump and a "Special VIP Tour" (though earlier announcements had mentioned a White House tour, this was later clarified).
* Attendees: While most of the guests were anonymous, crypto billionaire Justin Sun, founder of the Tron blockchain, publicly stated his intention to attend as the top holder of the $TRUMP meme coin. Other international crypto figures and firms were also reported to be in attendance.
* Ethical concerns: The event has drawn criticism from Democrats and ethics watchdogs who view it as a "pay-to-play scheme" and a blurring of lines between public office and private financial gain, especially given Trump's active promotion of the cryptocurrency and his administration's efforts to influence crypto regulation.