Trump’s VIP Crypto Dinner Sparks Outrage Over Luxury Gifts, Guest List Secrecy

On May 22, President Donald Trump hosted a private VIP dinner at his golf club near Washington, D.C., welcoming 220 of the top investors in his TRUMP meme coin. Billed as a black-tie “thank you” to major backers of the controversial crypto project, the dinner attracted massive attention — not just for the guests it drew, but also for what it revealed about Trump’s deepening ties to the cryptocurrency world.

Justin Sun Steals the Spotlight

Among the most talked-about guests was Justin Sun, the Chinese-born billionaire behind the TRON blockchain. Sun reportedly bought $19 million worth of TRUMP tokens to secure a seat at the dinner — more than any other attendee. In return, Trump presented him with a custom Golden Tourbillon watch, which some viewed as a token of favoritism toward a donor facing serious legal troubles.

Sun, who was sued by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in 2023 for selling unregistered securities, is no stranger to controversy. His donation of $30 million to Trump’s crypto venture, World Liberty Financial, after the 2024 election has only intensified scrutiny.

Celebrities and Crypto Promotions

It wasn’t just blockchain moguls in attendance. Former NBA star Lamar Odom used the event to promote ODOM, his Solana-based meme coin centered on addiction awareness. Odom, who rose to fame on the basketball court and later through his appearances on Keeping Up With the Kardashians, pitched the coin to guests as part of his personal comeback narrative.

Other attendees included international tech executives, venture capitalists, crypto influencers, and young investors — many arriving in Lamborghinis and flaunting Richard Mille watches, a Swiss luxury brand with timepieces worth upwards of $200,000. One attendee claimed to have spotted at least 16 Richard Mille watches in the room, symbolizing the night’s extreme opulence.

Not Everyone Left Impressed

While the event may have dazzled on the surface, some guests walked away disappointed.

Nicholas Pinto, an early TRUMP coin buyer, described the event as underwhelming. “I thought the President would spend more time with us,” Pinto said. “He gave a 23-minute speech, didn’t mingle, and left. The food wasn’t great either — we were only served water or Trump-branded wine, and I don’t even drink.”

Pinto told media outlets that only the top 25 guests seemed to get any interaction with Trump. “It felt like a marketing stunt more than an actual celebration,” he added.

Democrats Slam the Event as Corrupt

The dinner quickly became a political talking point.

Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT) posted on X: “Trump’s meme coin is designed to facilitate corruption. If this were legitimate, the guest list would be released. It’s not.”

Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) was more direct, calling the event “an orgy of corruption.”

Their criticism intensified when it emerged that the guest list had not been made public, fueling concerns over pay-to-play access in the highest office.

Roughly 100 protestors showed up at the venue, chanting, “America is not for sale.”

TRUMP Coin Falls After Dinner

The lavish affair didn’t help the coin’s performance. The TRUMP token has fallen over 20% since the dinner and is now trading around $12.73. While it remains a trending topic in crypto circles, its long-term stability is under question.

Crypto, Politics, and the 2024 Election Fallout

Trump’s dinner and the TRUMP meme coin are part of a broader trend: the fusion of politics and cryptocurrency in post-2024 America. With crypto still largely unregulated and Trump eyeing a return to the White House, critics fear the dinner sets a troubling precedent — where money, access, and influence become increasingly blurred.

Also Read: Trump Crypto Dinner Turns Chaotic as Protesters Slam Memecoin Millionaires