Trump’s $TRUMP Meme Coin Takes a Dive
In late September 2025, the value of US President Donald Trump’s “meme coin” $TRUMP plummeted nearly 8% within five minutes, resulting in a significant financial loss. This cryptocurrency, influenced by an internet meme, can be traded on the open market.
Announcement and Market Reactions
Just prior to resuming his presidency, Trump shared on X: “My NEW Official Trump Meme is HERE! It’s time to celebrate everything we stand for: WINNING!” Accompanying the message was an illustration of Trump featuring the phrase “FIGHT, FIGHT, FIGHT,” referencing his prior assassination attempt. Shortly thereafter, the $MELANIA coin was introduced, named after the First Lady, but it too faced market declines.
Ethical Concerns Surrounding Crypto Ventures
There are rising apprehensions about the ethical implications of these and other cryptocurrency ventures involving Trump and his family, as they seem to blur the boundaries between private gains and public service. The potential profits Trump could gain from these meme coins remain uncertain. The website gettrumpmemes.com claims that while the product enjoys the president’s endorsement, it is not linked to any political campaign, stating that the Trump Organization and Fight Fight Fight LLC hold 80% of the coins.
Critics Voice Doubts
Critics, including Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren, express concern over Trump potentially using his presidency to enhance his family’s wealth. Norman Eisen, a former ethics advisor to President Obama, has suggested that Trump’s involvement in cryptocurrency represents a severe conflict of interest. An inquiry by the New York Times asserted that Trump’s endeavors in the crypto sector have shattered traditional presidential norms, merging personal profit with governance in an unprecedented way.
Response from Trump’s Office
In response to allegations regarding potential profiteering during his presidency, Assistant Press Secretary Anna Kelly asserted that Trump’s assets are held in a trust managed by his children, negating conflict of interest claims. Senator Jeff Merkeley introduced the “end crypto corruption act,” aimed at preventing the president and senior officials from endorsing crypto assets, though its passage appears unlikely in the current congressional climate.
Family Involvement in Crypto Ventures
Trump’s ventures in the cryptocurrency sector are a family enterprise. His sons, Don Jr., Eric, and Barron, established World Liberty Financial (WLFI) in September 2024, with Trump initially serving as its “chief crypto advocate.” As of September 2025, WLFI’s crypto token began trading and dramatically increased the Trump family’s wealth. Eric has also initiated American Bitcoin, which aims to mine bitcoin and seize favorable market opportunities.
Shifting Views on Cryptocurrency
Trump, who once criticized bitcoin, recently expressed his desire for the U.S. to become the “crypto capital of the planet.” Serving as the nation’s primary law enforcement official, Trump sets the crypto policy landscape while his family’s wealth in cryptocurrency has reportedly surpassed $5 billion. The original purpose of the emoluments clauses, created to prevent corruption, is seen by some as increasingly inadequate. In a notable instance, Mexican firm Freight Technologies announced plans to buy $TRUMP coins, linking it to favorable trade relations with the U.S.