As US president Donald Trump left the stage at his golf club near Washington, DC, on Thursday night, he pointed to the crowd, brought his index finger to his temple—as if to say: You know what’s coming—then began to dance. To the beat of “Y.M.C.A” by The Village People, Trump shimmied, gyrated, and pumped his arms above his head.
Over 200 people had been invited to the Trump National Golf Club for a private gala dinner. They earned their seats by purchasing large quantities of Trump’s own crypto coin—TRUMP—some holding millions of dollars’ worth. On the menu was pan-seared halibut with a citrus reduction, a filet mignon with demi glaze, and a chance to speak to the US president.
The guests were a mix of independent traders, crypto executives, Trump supporters, and even former NBA player Lamar Odom. Some wore bowties in Bitcoin orange, while others sported gold Trump sneakers. The dinner guests watched as Trump arrived in Marine One and later delivered a speech in a room adorned with US flags.
Trump praised the attendees for believing in the crypto industry, hinting at the potential of their investments. The TRUMP coin, which saw a surge in value after Trump’s initial promotion, had garnered attention for its ties to the Trump family. The top holders of the coin were promised a reception with Trump, sparking concerns about potential conflicts of interest.
Critics raised objections about the dinner, accusing it of auctioning off access to the president. The event organizer faced scrutiny for the perceived use of the memecoin as a means of influence. Despite the controversies, attendees like crypto magnate Justin Sun saw the dinner as an opportunity to network and gain insights into Trump’s stance on crypto regulation.
As the dinner progressed, guests discussed trading strategies, Trump’s speech, and the quality of the food. Some were inspired by Trump’s charisma, while others felt disappointed by the briefness of his appearance. The evening concluded with Sun offering a toast to Trump and the future of the crypto industry in the US.
Overall, the dinner left a mixed impression on the attendees, with some enjoying the experience while others felt let down by certain aspects. Despite the controversies surrounding the event, it provided a platform for discussions on the intersection of politics and cryptocurrency. As guests departed, they were met with protests outside the venue, highlighting the ongoing debates surrounding crypto corruption and political influence.
