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Trump’s Crypto Dinner: A Lacklustre Affair
Recent reports from attendees of Donald Trump’s exclusive crypto dinner at his National Golf Club in Washington D.C. reveal widespread disappointment about the event’s execution and its inherent value.
Underwhelming Experience
Despite being advertised as a lavish evening for holders of the $TRUMP memecoin, many guests found the reality to be a far cry from this promise. According to Nicholas Pinto, a social media influencer who participated, the dinner felt more like "false advertising," with attendees largely left wanting for meaningful interaction with the former President. Pinto noted that the only time attendees saw Trump was during his brief four-minute speech, with VIPs receiving an extended 23-minute address in a private area. Overall, Trump was present for only about an hour.
The food offered during the evening, described as overcooked steak and lacklustre vegetables, matched the overall disappointing atmosphere. Pinto expressed frustration, saying, “We were under the impression that we’d ‘dine’ with the 47th president! We were lied to and used like puppets.”
Unremarkable Company
Expectations were high for mingling with affluent and influential crypto enthusiasts, but Pinto described the crowd as “sketchy” and full of faceless individuals, many of whom were reluctant to be photographed. Furthermore, attendees received goodie bags featuring Trump-themed memorabilia, adding an ironic touch to an evening that many felt lacked substance.
VIP Experience Not Much Better
The event was divided into two groups: 195 general attendees and a select 25 VIPs, each of whom reportedly invested an average of USD 4.8 million in $TRUMP for the privilege of attending. Yet, their experience did not significantly surpass that of general guests. Although they were treated to a longer speech, the content focused on the resilience of cryptocurrencies rather than on the anticipated innovative insights or networking opportunities.
Protests Outside the Venue
The dinner was not without controversy. Protesters, including former political staffers and U.S. Senators, gathered outside to highlight what they perceived as corruption associated with the event. Senator Jeff Merkley articulated concerns about elected officials profiting from their public positions, condemning the notion of influence being sold for personal gain. Critics, including former Treasury Department official Ken Papaj, raised alarms over Trump’s crypto dealings, asserting that they seem to exploit his presidential status.
Papaj lamented, “He’s using the presidency to make himself and his family richer. It’s just not right for that to be happening in our country.”
Legislative Pushback
Amidst the controversy, Congresswoman Maxine Waters introduced the Stop Trump in Crypto Act of 2025, aimed at restricting senior government officials from engaging in crypto ventures while in office. Waters emphasised concerns over foreign entities potentially acquiring Trump’s crypto for favours, stating, “For all we know, Russia, China, or even North Korea could be buying Trump’s crypto to secure favours from the White House.”
In summary, Trump’s dinner for $TRUMP memecoin holders turned out to be less of a glitzy networking opportunity and more of a missed chance, with the logistical shortcomings overshadowed by the surrounding political and ethical debates. Attendees left with a sense of disillusionment over the entire affair, questioning the authenticity of both the experience and the motives behind it.
