Trump Hosts High-Profile Dinner for Cryptocurrency Business
May 23, 2025
By David A. Fahrenthold, Eric Lipton, David Yaffe-Bellany, Elena Shao, and Dylan Freedman
Former President Donald Trump hosted an exclusive dinner on May 23 for select customers of his cryptocurrency business at the Trump National Golf Club in Sterling, Virginia. This private affair drew significant attention, not only due to Trump’s high profile but also because of the notable attendees.
A Selective Guest List
According to a report by The New York Times, the guest list featured an array of intriguing figures, including Justin Sun, a Chinese billionaire embroiled in legal issues with U.S. regulators over allegations of inflating cryptocurrency values. Other guests included a lawyer representing Justice Clarence Thomas and a retired professional basketball player, highlighting the diverse backgrounds of those in attendance.
The dinner came at a time when Trump was leveraging his political stature to promote his cryptocurrency initiatives. Guests were invited based on their status as significant holders of a specific memecoin tied to Trump’s business, with the top 25 holders receiving VIP treatment and an exclusive pre-dinner gathering.
Paid by Crypto
Each attendee was expected to have made a significant investment in the $TRUMP memecoin, which is an essential part of Trump’s cryptocurrency venture. Most guests utilized pseudonyms tied to their cryptocurrency wallets, keeping their identities somewhat anonymous until confirmed by the Times through social media and other channels. Once they arrived, the digital world translated into the physical, with security staff checking identification and verifying names against prepared lists.
Continued Legal Turmoil for Justin Sun
Sun’s attendance raised eyebrows, especially given his ongoing legal battles. In September 2023, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) initiated a lawsuit against him, alleging misconduct rooted in his dealings with cryptocurrency assets. Notably, after Trump’s presidency began, the SEC requested a delay in Sun’s case, but the matter remains unresolved, contributing to the complex relationship between cryptocurrency and regulatory oversight.
Despite the controversy surrounding some guests, Trump used this event not only to promote his business interests but also to offer attendees a unique experience, which included an unofficial tour of the White House the following day.
Protests at the Venue
On the evening of the dinner, as guests arrived, they were met by protesters outside the Trump National Golf Club. The nature of the protests, along with calls for regulatory accountability in the cryptocurrency sector, reflected the divided sentiments surrounding both Trump and the broader implications of cryptocurrency in the financial landscape.
The event marks a notable intersection between politics, finance, and social dynamics, as former President Trump navigates the evolving world of cryptocurrency while maintaining a connection to his base of supporters.
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