Crypto investors paid millions for a Trump dinner—was it worth it?
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It was billed as one of the most exclusive events in the world—an invitation-only gala hosted at a Virginia golf club for major backers of the $TRUMP cryptocurrency.
Attendees paid as much as $1.7 million each, expecting a high-end experience and personal access to President Donald Trump.
Instead, the night became a lightning rod for debate about the intersection of politics, cryptocurrency, and donor expectations—especially after attendees took to social media to voice their disappointment.
Roughly 220 guests—many of them prominent or anonymous investors in the $TRUMP memecoin—gathered at the private gala.
The event celebrated the coin’s rapid rise in value and was promoted as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to support the former president’s latest digital venture.
Some guests were promised VIP experiences, including a private reception and a White House tour.
Others were simply eager to be part of what was described as a cutting-edge political and financial movement.
But as details about the dinner began to circulate, attention quickly shifted to the evening’s menu.
A meal to remember—for unexpected reasons
The menu featured dishes like pan-seared halibut with citrus reduction and filet mignon with demi-glace.
But for some attendees, the reality didn’t match the presentation.
“It was the worst food I’ve ever had at a Trump golf course,” said Nicholas Pinto, a 25-year-old trader.
“The only good thing was bread and butter.” Pinto also noted that he drank only water during the event and that his glass was refilled just once.
CNBC correspondent Steve Kovach joked that he had “eaten better food on Spirit Airlines,” while a blogger described the meal as “something you’d get as a reward in prison for not stabbing anyone all week.”
Another guest simply called the meal “OK, but not top class.”
Also read: No more pennies? How Trump’s decision could change everyday purchases
A short speech, few specifics
President Trump arrived late, wearing the same blue suit and red tie he had worn earlier that day at the White House.
He delivered a 23-minute speech in which he praised attendees as “some of the smartest minds anywhere in the world” and said that crypto “may be something that’s special—who knows, right?”
Attendees noted that the speech offered little detail about cryptocurrency policy or deregulation, despite earlier campaign messaging that had promised a “cutting edge” approach to the industry.
While some attendees appreciated the recognition and optimism, others had hoped for more clarity regarding the administration’s stance on digital currencies.
Also read: Paws off our savings! The crypto scam preying on vulnerable seniors
Ethics questions and White House response
The event sparked criticism from ethics experts and Democratic lawmakers, who questioned the mix of campaign finance, cryptocurrency, and high-dollar donors—many of whom remained anonymous, using pseudonyms to purchase the coin.
Some of the guests were foreign nationals, prompting additional concern about access and vetting.
In response, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt called the criticism “absurd,” stating that “all of the president’s assets are in a blind trust, which is managed by his children.”
She added, “This president was incredibly successful before giving it all up to serve our country… He has sacrificed a lot to be here. And to suggest otherwise is, frankly, completely absurd.”
While proceeds from coin sales do not go directly to Trump, about 80% of the $TRUMP tokens are reportedly held by Trump Organization affiliates.
That means if the coin’s value increases, so does the affiliated portfolio.
Additionally, trading the coin generates transaction fees, with Chainalysis estimating that nearly $900,000 in fees were collected within the first two days of its launch.
Also read: She lost $17,500 to a bitcoin ATM scam—what happened and how to stay safe
Crypto and campaigns: where does it lead?
As cryptocurrency continues to evolve, its role in political fundraising remains a hot topic.
For some attendees, the Trump event was a bold step into the future of donor engagement.
For others, it raised lingering questions about transparency, value, and expectations.
Whether it was a celebration of innovation or a lesson in optics, the night left a lasting impression.
Read next: Could you be suffering from “Trump derangement syndrome”? New bill aims to find out
Have you ever paid for a high-end event that didn’t meet your expectations? How do you feel about the growing presence of cryptocurrency in politics? Is it a step forward—or a road that needs more regulation? We’d love to hear your thoughts. Share your story in the comments below!
Attendees paid as much as $1.7 million each, expecting a high-end experience and personal access to President Donald Trump.
Instead, the night became a lightning rod for debate about the intersection of politics, cryptocurrency, and donor expectations—especially after attendees took to social media to voice their disappointment.
Roughly 220 guests—many of them prominent or anonymous investors in the $TRUMP memecoin—gathered at the private gala.
The event celebrated the coin’s rapid rise in value and was promoted as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to support the former president’s latest digital venture.
Some guests were promised VIP experiences, including a private reception and a White House tour.
Others were simply eager to be part of what was described as a cutting-edge political and financial movement.
But as details about the dinner began to circulate, attention quickly shifted to the evening’s menu.
Guests arrived at the Trump golf club for what was billed as an exclusive crypto gala—some spending over $1 million for the experience. Image Source: YouTube / ABC News.
A meal to remember—for unexpected reasons
The menu featured dishes like pan-seared halibut with citrus reduction and filet mignon with demi-glace.
But for some attendees, the reality didn’t match the presentation.
“It was the worst food I’ve ever had at a Trump golf course,” said Nicholas Pinto, a 25-year-old trader.
“The only good thing was bread and butter.” Pinto also noted that he drank only water during the event and that his glass was refilled just once.
CNBC correspondent Steve Kovach joked that he had “eaten better food on Spirit Airlines,” while a blogger described the meal as “something you’d get as a reward in prison for not stabbing anyone all week.”
Another guest simply called the meal “OK, but not top class.”
Also read: No more pennies? How Trump’s decision could change everyday purchases
A short speech, few specifics
President Trump arrived late, wearing the same blue suit and red tie he had worn earlier that day at the White House.
He delivered a 23-minute speech in which he praised attendees as “some of the smartest minds anywhere in the world” and said that crypto “may be something that’s special—who knows, right?”
Attendees noted that the speech offered little detail about cryptocurrency policy or deregulation, despite earlier campaign messaging that had promised a “cutting edge” approach to the industry.
While some attendees appreciated the recognition and optimism, others had hoped for more clarity regarding the administration’s stance on digital currencies.
Also read: Paws off our savings! The crypto scam preying on vulnerable seniors
Ethics questions and White House response
The event sparked criticism from ethics experts and Democratic lawmakers, who questioned the mix of campaign finance, cryptocurrency, and high-dollar donors—many of whom remained anonymous, using pseudonyms to purchase the coin.
Some of the guests were foreign nationals, prompting additional concern about access and vetting.
In response, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt called the criticism “absurd,” stating that “all of the president’s assets are in a blind trust, which is managed by his children.”
She added, “This president was incredibly successful before giving it all up to serve our country… He has sacrificed a lot to be here. And to suggest otherwise is, frankly, completely absurd.”
One attendee, Nicholas Pinto, shared photos from the event and joked that dessert “may not [be] a Big Mac, but I’ll take it.” Image Source: X / @nicholaspinto_.
While proceeds from coin sales do not go directly to Trump, about 80% of the $TRUMP tokens are reportedly held by Trump Organization affiliates.
That means if the coin’s value increases, so does the affiliated portfolio.
Additionally, trading the coin generates transaction fees, with Chainalysis estimating that nearly $900,000 in fees were collected within the first two days of its launch.
Also read: She lost $17,500 to a bitcoin ATM scam—what happened and how to stay safe
Crypto and campaigns: where does it lead?
As cryptocurrency continues to evolve, its role in political fundraising remains a hot topic.
For some attendees, the Trump event was a bold step into the future of donor engagement.
For others, it raised lingering questions about transparency, value, and expectations.
Whether it was a celebration of innovation or a lesson in optics, the night left a lasting impression.
Read next: Could you be suffering from “Trump derangement syndrome”? New bill aims to find out
Have you ever paid for a high-end event that didn’t meet your expectations? How do you feel about the growing presence of cryptocurrency in politics? Is it a step forward—or a road that needs more regulation? We’d love to hear your thoughts. Share your story in the comments below!
