Donald Trump displayed the official U.S. presidential seal whereas talking at a $TRUMP memecoin investor dinner on Might 23, 2025. The occasion was held at Trump Nationwide Golf Membership in Virginia and introduced collectively 220 crypto traders linked to the $TRUMP token.
Trump stood behind a lectern exhibiting the seal. U.S. federal regulation—particularly 18 U.S. Code § 713—bans the usage of the presidential seal in personal occasions that would indicate authorities approval. Violations might end in fines or up to 6 months in jail.
The president arrived on the golf membership on a army helicopter. Through the dinner, he criticized the Biden administration’s crypto insurance policies and addressed the company. When requested in regards to the occasion, White Home Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt informed reporters,
“It is not a White House dinner. It’s not taking place here at the White House.”
Authorized Stress Builds Over $TRUMP Memecoin Dinner
Trump’s previous use of the presidential seal at personal properties has drawn consideration earlier than. Forbes reported that a number of Trump-owned golf golf equipment used the seal as golf markers. Nonetheless, its look at an occasion selling the $TRUMP memecoin has triggered a stronger response from lawmakers.
On Might 22, a gaggle of 35 Democratic lawmakers despatched a letter to the Division of Justice. They addressed it to Edward Sullivan, appearing chief of the general public integrity part. The letter requested an investigation into whether or not the $TRUMP memecoin dinner violated the federal bribery statute or the U.S. Structure’s international emoluments clause.
Beneath the emoluments clause, a president can not settle for items from international states with out Congress’s approval. The lawmakers identified that the occasion might give international nationals entry to Trump with out transparency.
Overseas Crypto Buyers Elevate Crimson Flags
Bloomberg reported that lots of the attendees on the $TRUMP crypto dinner had been possible international nationals. Their ties to worldwide cryptocurrency exchanges raised considerations amongst U.S. lawmakers. The dinner was promoted as an unique probability to fulfill Trump, with no clear disclosures about donor identities.
The lawmakers’ letter famous,
“US law prohibits foreign persons from contributing to US political campaigns. However, the $TRUMP memecoin, including the promotion of a dinner promising exclusive access to the President, opens the door for foreign governments to buy influence with the President, all without disclosing their identities.”
This raised questions on marketing campaign finance guidelines and the dangers tied to international involvement in political occasions linked to crypto.
Excessive-Profile Crypto Figures Attend Trump Crypto Dinner
Trump’s stance on cryptocurrency has shifted since his first presidential time period. He now helps the $TRUMP memecoin, launched earlier in 2025. The token peaked at $74.34 however dropped to $14.44 by Might 22.
Attendees on the dinner included Tron founder Justin Solar. Bloomberg reported that Solar invested over $40 million in $TRUMP tokens and gave a speech on the occasion. Solar can be tied to World Liberty Monetary, a Trump-affiliated firm beneath regulatory assessment.
Different company included former NBA participant Lamar Odom andAsian crypto executives Sangrok Oh and Vincent Liu. Their presence has added to considerations in regards to the nature of monetary assist surrounding Trump’s crypto-linked actions.