• Trump hosted a closed-door dinner for top investors in his $TRUMP memecoin.
• The event drew protests and criticisms for potential corruption and misuse of presidential power.
• Legal experts have raised concerns about potential violations of federal law regarding the use of the presidential seal.
• Justin Sun, a prominent cryptocurrency entrepreneur, was a leading investor at the gala.
• Despite its controversy, the $TRUMP memecoin has seen significant trading and investor interest.

On May 22, 2025, US President Donald Trump hosted a closed-door gala at his golf club for over 200 prominent investors of his $TRUMP memecoin, amid heavy criticisms and protests from various groups decrying the event as blatant "corruption." The gathering was characterized as "exclusive," allowing the biggest purchasers of the memecoin an opportunity for a private session with Trump and a tour of the White House, which critics argue blurs the lines between official presidential duties and personal business interests, according to South China Morning Post and Channel News Asia.

Despite inclement weather, a group of protesters gathered outside with signs such as "stop crypto corruption," echoing sentiments from Democratic senators like Elizabeth Warren, who condemned the event as “an orgy of corruption." The dinner was touted as Trump’s venture into the world of cryptocurrency, an area he has shown increasing interest in since launching the $TRUMP coin just before his inauguration. The coin's rapid rise has prompted questions regarding the ethical implications of a sitting president profiting from his own financial interests, according to Channel News Asia and Newsweek.

Legal analyses are now surfacing, suggesting Trump may have violated federal law regarding the use of the presidential seal during a for-profit event. An attorney noted that the Presidential Seal must be reserved for official government use, and utilizing it in a personal capacity could imply government endorsement of his private ventures. This raises further questions about the legitimacy of such events and whether they contravene legislative standards, as reported by Newsweek.

Attendees of the gala included crypto billionaire Justin Sun, who confirmed a staggering $20 million investment in the memecoin, substantially contributing to the meme coin's market value, which soared post-event. Sun’s participation underscores significant financial interests tied to the gala and the role of major investors in influencing political and financial dynamics surrounding cryptocurrencies, as noted by South China Morning Post and India Times.

Trump concluded his gala appearance within approximately 23 minutes, where he reportedly promoted his crypto agenda in front of a podium marked with the presidential seal. Attendees were treated to high-value perks, and top investors were awarded luxury watches, reflecting the extravagant nature of the event. However, the dinner itself received mixed reviews from guests regarding the quality of food and service, emphasizing the peculiar juxtaposition of opulence and dissatisfaction at a high-profile presidential event, according to India Times.