President Donald Trump is embracing cryptocurrency to drive political fundraising, with two high-profile dinners this month targeting both elite donors and digital asset enthusiasts. The events are expected to bring in millions as Trump ramps up efforts to consolidate support.
The first, a $1.5 million-per-plate dinner scheduled for May 6, ranks among the costliest political fundraisers in recent memory. Hosted by pro-Trump super PAC MAGA Inc., the “Crypto & AI Innovators Dinner” will feature venture capitalist and tech figure David Sacks, a growing influence in Trump’s approach to digital assets and artificial intelligence.
Later in the month, Trump will participate in a second gathering — not funded by cash but powered by a meme coin. Set for May 22 at Trump National in the D.C. area, this black tie-optional event will welcome top holders of the $TRUMP token, a digital currency launched earlier this year. Rather than paying for a seat, attendees compete for access by accumulating tokens. The top 220 on the leaderboard will be invited to dine with the president, while the 25 leading holders receive a VIP White House tour and private reception.
The contest, running through May 12, has sparked both enthusiasm and controversy. Watchdog group Accountable.US slammed the initiative as an unprecedented self-enrichment scheme, warning that the token-based entry could allow anonymous or even foreign actors to gain influence in the White House.
Because cryptocurrency wallets are pseudonymous, the true identities of top participants remain difficult to verify unless voluntarily disclosed. The contest’s terms and conditions further note that Trump’s attendance is not guaranteed and that the event could be canceled for any reason. If that occurs, winners will receive a Trump-themed non-fungible token (NFT) instead.
Despite the uncertainty, the $TRUMP token has surged over 50% in value since the dinner was announced, significantly increasing the holdings of insiders. Around 80% of the token’s supply is controlled by the Trump Organization and related entities, according to the project’s own disclosures.
Trading in the token has already generated more than $324 million in fees through a mechanism that routes a cut of every transaction to wallets linked to the project’s creators. While those behind the coin have agreed not to liquidate their stakes for at least another 90 days, the structure has raised questions about transparency and ethical boundaries.
Meanwhile, the crypto community has applauded the administration’s evolving stance on digital assets. Sacks and other Trump-aligned officials have been credited with reshaping federal policy, leading to regulatory reversals viewed as more favorable to the industry.
Still, the intersection of campaign financing, blockchain technology, and presidential access is drawing intense scrutiny. Critics argue it sets a dangerous precedent, while supporters see it as an innovative way to merge grassroots engagement with tech-driven strategy.
As the contest continues and the dinners unfold, Trump’s digital currency experiment is testing new terrain in political fundraising — one where influence, access, and wealth intersect in virtual ledgers.
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