"Disappointing Dining Experience": Trump Meme Coin Gathering Leaves Guests Unfulfilled, Causing Token Value to Plummet by 16%
President Trump Hosts Exclusive TRUMP Meme Coin Dinner at Virginia Golf Club
On May 22, 2025, President Donald Trump hosted an invitation-only dinner at his Trump National Golf Club in Potomac Falls, Virginia, for top holders of his TRUMP meme coin. The event, which cost attendees a combined $148 million to secure invitations, drew criticism and raised ethical concerns.
The dinner was attended by over 200 crypto investors, industry executives, and a notable figure such as former NBA star Lamar Odom. However, attendees, including 25-year-old crypto investor Nicholas Pinto, reported dissatisfaction with the event. Pinto felt underwhelmed and still hungry, commenting on the poor quality of food served.
The three-course meal included a Trump organic field green salad, filet mignon with pan-seared halibut, mashed potatoes, and a vegetable medley, followed by lava cake for dessert. Pinto described the filet mignon as "trash," comparing it to "Walmart steak." Trump made a brief appearance at the dinner, staying for only 23 minutes before leaving by helicopter.
Political backlash emerged following the event. Critics pointed to potential conflicts of interest, as Chinese-born crypto entrepreneur Justin Sun, who faces Securities and Exchange Commission fraud charges, was the top token holder. Approximately 100 protesters gathered outside the golf club, with Senator Jeff Merkley of Oregon joining the demonstration and expressing support for the End Crypto Corruption Act.
The End Crypto Corruption Act, proposed by Democratic senators Jeff Merkley and Chuck Schumer, seeks to prevent the president, vice president, and other high-ranking officials from financially benefiting from crypto assets. However, its progress remains unclear.
President Trump's TRUMP coin has generated significant trading fees since its January debut, with the Trump Organization and affiliates controlling roughly 80% of the token supply. The event has added to the ongoing tension surrounding cryptocurrency regulation and potential corruption. The future of crypto-related legislation is uncertain, with factors such as partisan dynamics and controversial provisions complicating the process.
- The exclusive TRUMP Meme Coin dinner, attended by prominent figures in the world of cryptocurrency, finance, and social media, such as Lamar Odom and Nicholas Pinto, was met with criticism and concerns about potential conflicts of interest due to Chinese-born crypto entrepreneur Justin Sun's attendance.
- The event's extravagance, with a reported $148 million spent on securing invitations, was contrasted by feedback from attendees like Nicholas Pinto, who expressed disappointment with the food quality and overall experience.
- Amidst this controversy, Democratic senators Jeff Merkley and Chuck Schumer proposed the End Crypto Corruption Act to prevent high-ranking officials, including the president, from financially benefiting from crypto assets. However, the Act's progress remains unclear, adding to the ongoing tension and uncertainty surrounding cryptocurrency regulation and potential corruption in the banking and finance industries.
