Photos from within US President Donald Trump’s secretive dinner for his top memecoin buyers show attendees were treated to a three-course meal and gift bags as protesters gathered outside the event to accuse Trump of profiting from the presidency.
Pictures posted online by some of the 220 largest holders of the Official Trump (TRUMP) token — one of several crypto ventures critics have said conflicts with Trump’s ethics as president — show attendees were greeted by large posters bearing “Fight Fight Fight,” which also sat atop each table, referencing the company that launched the memecoin.
The White House said it would not publish a guest list of those who attended the dinner, but Tron CEO Justin Sun, Magic Eden CEO Jack Lu and BitMart CEO Sheldon Xia were among those sharing snaps of the dinner held at the Trump National Golf Club in Virginia.
Trump Crypto Dinner！ #TrumpCoin @GetTrumpMemes pic.twitter.com/9ZredNjOEu
— Sheldon (@sheldonbitmart) May 23, 2025
On the menu was a “Trump organic field green salad” to start, which was followed by a filet mignon and pan-seared halibut with mashed potatoes and vegetable medley, with a lava cake for dessert, according to two photos taken by apparent attendees seen by Cointelegraph.
A video of the event shows that attendees were also given a gift bag containing a black hat.
Sun, who the Securities and Exchange Commission charged with securities laws violations before it dropped the case under the Trump administration, was the single largest buyer of Trump’s memecoin leading up to the dinner.
A video shows the Chinese-born crypto entrepreneur, who is also the biggest backer of the Trump’s crypto platform World Liberty Financial, was brought up on stage and ceremoniously gifted a golden Trump-branded watch, which a Trump-linked company sells for $100,000.
As the top holder of $TRUMP and proud supporter of President Trump, it was an honor to attend the Trump Gala Dinner by @GetTrumpMemes.
Thank you @POTUS for your unwavering support of our industry!#MakeCryptoGreatAgain🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/Yy2TuWEgzT
— H.E. Justin Sun 🍌 (@justinsuntron) May 23, 2025
Sun’s attendance at the event was highlighted by The Wall Street Journal and other media outlets, with many noting that the dinner may have deepened his ties to Trump and his family.
Attendees confronted by fierce protestors on arrival
Bloomberg reported that around 100 protestors gathered outside the event booed and jeered attendees as they arrived at the premises.
BREAKING: In a stunning moment, protesters have swarmed Trump National Golf Club, where Trump is hosting his “Memecoin” dinner tonight.
Outside: fury.
Inside: crypto bros and campaign bundlers toasting corruption like it’s vintage wine.
Americans are done watching billionaires… pic.twitter.com/WrkwtMYiSF
— Brian Allen (@allenanalysis) May 23, 2025
The protesters were holding signs with messages such as: “Stop Trump’s Crypto Corruptio,” and “Democracy Is Not For Sale,” while another said “Cripto Grift Dinner Bribery On Menu.”
Related: Donald Trump gives conflicting answers over memecoin profits
Some protesters called for Trump’s impeachment and removal, while others demanded financial reform in the US.
Trump-linked entities reportedly cashed in around $100 million in trading fees from the TRUMP token that launched two days before Trump was inaugurated as president on Jan. 20.
On March 24, Trump Media also signed a non-binding agreement with Crypto.com to launch a series of “Made in America” exchange-traded products in the US.
Magazine: Trump’s crypto ventures raise conflict of interest, insider trading questions
cointelegraph.com