Crypto billionaire Justin Sun has emerged as the top investor in Donald Trump’s controversial $TRUMP meme coin, securing a VIP seat at the former president’s gala dinner — a move that critics call both symbolic and troubling for US political ethics. (Related: Trump’s $148M Meme Coin Dinner Sparks Praise, Protest, and Foreign Influence Fears)

Sun, founder of the Tron blockchain, confirmed this week that he was behind the winning wallet in a competition run by “GetTrumpMemes” — an unofficial crypto campaign venture selling digital tokens tied to Trump. The prize: a seat at the president’s table at Thursday’s crypto-themed gala dinner.

“Honored to support @POTUS and grateful for the invitation… as the top holder of $TRUMP,” Sun posted on X.

The win comes just three months after the SEC paused its fraud and market manipulation case against Sun, following Trump’s re-election and a regulatory reset. The charges, filed in 2023, accused Sun of offering unregistered securities and manipulating markets — claims that have since been shelved under the Trump-appointed leadership.

Sun’s total investment? Over $75 million into World Liberty Financial, the Trump-linked crypto entity. Under its structure, 75% of token sale proceeds go directly to the Trump family, meaning Trump and his inner circle may have received up to $56 million from Sun’s purchases.

From Legal Trouble to Presidential Dinner

Sun has long been a magnet for controversy. Beyond his SEC battle, The Wall Street Journal previously reported that Sun was under investigation by the Justice Department for enabling illicit transactions via his blockchain platform. He’s also been linked to headline-grabbing stunts, such as:

  • Buying a banana duct-taped to a wall for $6.24 million
  • Paying $4.57 million for lunch with Warren Buffett

With an estimated net worth of $8.5 billion, Sun is no stranger to using cash and spectacle to gain attention — but this dinner may be his most politically charged move yet.

Corruption or Just Capitalism?

Ethics experts warn that this sort of access — purchased through speculative crypto assets — may blur lines between campaign finance, lobbying, and influence peddling. Critics have called the dinner contest potentially unconstitutional and a modern-day “pay-to-play.”

Still, the Trump administration maintains distance. A White House spokesperson said the president is focused on “securing good deals for the American people.”

Crypto’s New Political Chapter

This event marks a turning point for crypto’s relationship with Washington. Under Trump’s new term, several crypto-related enforcement actions have been rolled back or paused. That includes Sun’s case and others that previously threatened major platforms.

At the same time, Trump has used crypto as both a fundraising vehicle and a messaging tool — leaning into the anti-establishment ethos many crypto holders embrace.

Whether Sun’s dinner with Trump leads to policy shifts or regulatory favors remains to be seen. But the optics are clear: in today’s political-crypto landscape, the biggest bagholder really might get the biggest seat at the table.