Trump’s Memecoin Pivot: From Joke Asset to Exclusive NFT Club

Gala and NFTs enter the fray as Trump rebrands his memecoin as a VIP playground for crypto elites.

Subheader: The Art of the Deal Meets the Art of the Token

What started as a market curiosity now morphs into a gated community—complete with digital bragging rights and the subtle whiff of desperation. Because nothing says ’financial innovation’ like repackaging internet jokes as status symbols.

Active verbs only: The move bypasses traditional crypto utility, cuts through regulatory gray areas, and targets collectors who think ’inflation hedge’ means buying JPEGs of cartoon apes.

Closer: Another day, another pivot—because in crypto, even former presidents chase the next shiny object while Wall Street rolls its eyes.

In Brief

• The $TRUMP contest concluded with 220 winners invited to the Washington gala.
• $148 million was spent to try to secure a seat at this dinner.
• The 58 biggest carriers each collected more than $10 million in winnings.
• Senators are concerned about possible conflicts of interest and are investigating the project’s foreign ties.

A crypto contest ends, the stage is set

The official competition surrounding Donald Trump’s memecoin, culminating in an exclusive dinner with the former president, has now closed. “The first $TRUMP contest is officially over!” the project announced on X.

If you’re among the top 220, check the email you used to register—quickly. Background checks are mandatory to confirm attendance.

The dinner will take place on May 22 at the TRUMP National Golf Club in Washington. The top 25 participants will also enjoy a VIP reception with a private tour. Exclusive NFTs will be distributed to holders based on their rank.

Excitement quickly turned into panic for some. The token had soared to $73 before plunging below $15. Since launch, $TRUMP has been on a rollercoaster ride.

Nearly $148 million has been spent in this race for a seat at the presidential table. The project says more surprises will be unveiled at the event.

Big winners, ruined losers

The numbers are staggering. According to Inca Digital, $148 million was poured into the contest. The 220 winners amassed significant weighted positions. The leading wallet, “SUN,” linked to the HTX exchange, holds $18.5 million in TRUMP.

58 wallets recorded profits of over $10 million each. But nearly 764,000 wallets have been in the red since January. In total, about $3.9 billion has vanished for small investors.

The promise of a dinner wasn’t enough to calm the crypto storm. Marketed as a ticket to the elite, the $TRUMP token hit hard—and divided the crowd.

Some walk away with collector NFTs, while others mourn lost investments. The blockchain doesn’t lie. The numbers speak for themselves:

• $148 million spent on the contest
• $1.1 billion in profits for 58 wallets
• $3.9 billion in total losses
• 764,000 losing wallets

A massive crypto divide between wealthy winners and ruined retail investors.

Crypto, pouvoir, gala et colère politique

This VIP dinner isn’t just a prize. It’s a political show. A crypto event turned into a prestige showcase. Honored guests will discover rare NFTs, the next phase of the project, and possibly more. The platform has promised the launch of a “Trump Rewards Points Program.”

But the event is drawing criticism. Some view it as a way for foreigners to buy access to Trump. Senator Richard Blumenthal stated:

We’ve opened an investigation into the ethical implications of this crypto project. Americans deserve transparency when it comes to foreign influence.

Companies based in Hong Kong, Singapore, and the UAE are among the major holders. Controversial figure Justin SUN is also in the background. The SEC and DOJ are paying close attention.

The Justice Department’s crypto unit was recently shut down, sparking further outrage. Lawmakers are denouncing the project as a shady fundraising tool. One senator described it as:

A presidential Venmo for billionaires and oligarchs.

The dinner hasn’t even happened yet, and the $TRUMP crypto is already at the center of an ethical storm.

Some analysts believe Trump is using the dinner to revive interest in his faltering memecoin. He previously declared it “the best crypto.” A price surge followed. The timing is telling: renewed attention, a fresh narrative, and a token once again in the spotlight.

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