Top buyers of Trump-sponsored crypto win exclusive dinner with president

<p>Contest for $TRUMP meme coin has prompted accusations of president boosting family business and foreign influence</p><p>On Monday, the top 220 buyers of a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/donaldtrump">Donald Trump</a>-sponsored <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/cryptocurrencies">cryptocurrency</a> won access to an exclusive dinner with the president as a reward for pouring money into the coin. It was the culmination of Trump’s <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/apr/24/donald-trumps-meme-coin-value-surges-after-gala-dinner-invites">weekslong promotion of the contest</a>, which has drawn allegations that he is using his position to enrich his family business while opening himself up to foreign influence.</p><p>The cryptocurrency, called $TRUMP, was created in mid-January and boasts a market capitalization of over $2bn after months of investors buying into the heavily promoted coin. A Trump family-linked company and another firm own a majority of the coins, <a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/us/buyers-trump-meme-coin-pay-millions-win-dinner-with-president-trump-2025-05-12/">according to Reuters</a>.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/may/12/top-buyers-trump-cryptocurrency-dinner">Continue reading...</a>