Trump Plans Millions in Fundraising Through Exclusive Crypto Dinners

Former President Donald Trump is hosting two high-profile fundraising dinners this month, targeting both wealthy political donors and holders of the $TRUMP meme coin, in a move that could raise millions for his campaign. The first event, the 'Crypto & AI Innovators Dinner,' is a $1.5 million-per-plate fundraiser featuring venture capitalist David Sacks, and is among the most expensive in U.S. political history. The second dinner requires entry via a blockchain-based contest, granting access to the top 220 $TRUMP token holders, with the top 25 receiving VIP perks such as a private reception and a 'White House Tour.' These events highlight a strategic shift in political fundraising toward cryptocurrency and have significantly increased the value and trading volume of the $TRUMP token. However, the dinners have drawn sharp criticism from ethics watchdogs, who warn that using crypto for access could allow wealthy and potentially foreign individuals to buy influence, raising concerns about transparency and self-enrichment. Despite the controversy, Trump’s embrace of crypto is seen by some industry leaders as a sign of potential regulatory shifts in Washington.