Trump Hosts Meme Coin Investors at Gala, Leading to White House Visit
By Olivia Rubin and Lucien Bruggeman | May 23, 2025
In a controversial turn of events, President Donald Trump hosted a gala on Thursday evening for the leading investors in his cryptocurrency meme coin, sparking discussions on the event’s appropriateness in relation to his official role as President. The following day, several attendees were invited for a special VIP tour of the White House, raising eyebrows despite assurances from the White House that the gala was a personal engagement for the President.
The black-tie event, which took place at Trump’s golf club in the Washington, D.C. area, attracted approximately 200 cryptocurrency traders, many of whom came from international locations. Access to the gala was determined through a contest that awarded invitations to top investors in Trump’s meme coin, directing a portion of the entry fees to the Trump family.
Attendance and Reactions
Among the top investors at the gala was Sangrok Oh, a Korean crypto investor, who expressed enthusiasm over the prospect of touring the White House, stating, "We’re going to visit and tour the White House [and] at the same time talk about crypto industries and the future of crypto." However, he noted uncertainty regarding whether Trump would personally greet the group.
Despite the apparent conflict in messaging, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reiterated that Trump’s attendance at Thursday’s event was strictly personal. "The president is attending [the dinner] in his personal time," Leavitt asserted. "It is not a White House dinner. It’s not taking place here at the White House."
Critics have branded the gala a “pay for play” event, suggesting that wealthy investors received preferential treatment in exchange for their financial support of Trump’s cryptocurrency venture.
White House Visit and Controversy
The White House visit on Friday featured prominent figures such as Cherry Hsu, an executive at the Singapore-based blockchain startup MemeCore, which notably held over $1 million in $TRUMP coin. Justin Sun, a Chinese cryptocurrency mogul and significant investor in the meme coin, shared highlights of his White House tour on social media, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to visit the iconic residence.
Interestingly, earlier promotions for the $TRUMP coin included details about a “Special VIP White House tour” for the top 25 coin holders. However, updated descriptions on the coin’s website have since downplayed any official connection, merely stating that a "Special VIP tour" would be coordinated, with a disclaimer noting arrangements by Fight Fight Fight LLC and the possibility of a Presidential appearance.
The juxtaposition of a recreational gala for cryptocurrency supporters and the formal nature of the White House led to mixed feelings among the public, with dissenters voicing concerns over potential ethical breaches and the blurring of lines between personal interests and presidential duties.
Conclusion
As the situation develops, it underscores the intricate relationship between cryptocurrency, high-profile investments, and political figures. The implications of such events remain to be seen as lawmakers and advocacy groups scrutinize the intersections of wealth, influence, and governance in the evolving landscape of digital currency in America.
Stay tuned to Smart Money Mindset for the latest updates on this story and more insights into the realm of finance and investment.
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