A new investigation by Australia’s ABC Four Corners reveals that Trump and his sons have earned hundreds of millions of dollars from crypto projects launched before and during his presidency, raising fresh concerns about conflicts of interest and violations of U.S. ethics norms.

A Presidency Entangled With Crypto Wealth

Trump’s latest controversy centers around World Liberty Financial, a crypto investment platform launched by Trump and his sons in 2024. The venture allows investors to buy a digital token — with 75% of profits flowing directly to the Trump family.

In March, the company disclosed sales of $550 million worth of tokens, delivering an estimated $390 million to the Trump family, according to the report. The firm’s investors reportedly include crypto billionaire Justin Sun, who contributed $75 million, and the UAE’s sovereign fund MGX, which made a record $2 billion investment in Binance via a Trump-linked token.

Critics argue that these dealings blur the line between Trump’s private business and public office — particularly since the UAE investment came just weeks before Trump approved a deal allowing the country to purchase advanced Nvidia AI chips previously restricted under U.S. export rules.

Related: Trump Joins Billionaire Bitcoin Club With $870 Million Stake via Trump Media

Crypto Gala and Meme Coin Profits

The Four Corners report also uncovered a black-tie gala at Trump’s Virginia golf club celebrating top holders of the $TRUMP meme coin, launched days before his 2025 inauguration.
More than 220 investors attended the event — having collectively purchased around $150 million worth of the token — while the Trump family earned a share of the $320 million in trading fees generated within four months of launch.

Attendees described the event as a “money-making spectacle.” One investor told reporters:

“Every time Trump tweets about the coin, the price moves. If I profit, I don’t mind if he does too.”

Ethics Experts Sound the Alarm

Former Obama ethics lawyer Norm Eisen called Trump’s actions “the exploitation of public office for private gain,” labeling him “the most corrupt president in modern U.S. history.”
He warned that Trump’s personal business stakes — from real estate to crypto — could compromise U.S. policy decisions.

Another prominent ethics adviser, Virginia Canter, noted that the UAE’s use of Trump’s token for its Binance investment “raises serious questions” about whether U.S. foreign policy is being influenced by the president’s financial interests.

White House Response

The White House maintains that Trump’s assets are held in a family trust managed by his children and that his presidential decisions are unaffected by business operations. Former Trump adviser Bryan Lanza defended the president, stating:

“There’s no law preventing a president’s family from earning money. Every president benefits from their policies. Trump is no different.”

The Four Corners investigation paints a striking picture of how Trump’s political power, business empire, and crypto ventures have become deeply intertwined.
While his supporters see a savvy businessman rewriting the rules, ethics experts warn the president’s crypto empire could redefine — and destabilize — the boundaries between personal profit and public service.

The post Donald Trump accused of profiting from presidency as crypto ventures rake in hundreds of millions first appeared on Finblog.

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.

The post Justin Sun Buys His Way to Trump’s Table: SEC-Targeted Crypto Tycoon Now Top TrumpCoin Holder first appeared on Finblog.

Among the attendees: Justin Sun, Chinese crypto billionaire and founder of Tron, who holds over $20M in $TRUMP tokens. The top 25 holders, who contributed more than $111M combined, received VIP treatment, limited-edition Trump watches, and a private reception.

But outside the gala, over 100 protesters rallied with signs reading “America is not for sale” and “Stop Crypto Corruption.” Critics—including lawmakers like Sen. Elizabeth Warren—warn that the event blurs ethical lines, especially with many attendees likely based outside the U.S. and holding significant financial stakes in Trump’s ventures.

The Trump Organization and CIC Digital LLC reportedly control 80% of the $TRUMP supply, having earned more than $320 million from the coin. White House officials claim all assets are in a blind trust managed by Trump’s children.

Analysts say this meme coin diplomacy could bring long-term legal and reputational risks. Data shows over 60 major wallets have profited $1.5B since the coin launched—while some 600,000 smaller holders lost $3.87B.

One key concern? A tiny U.S. firm with ties to China, as reported earlier by Finblog, recently disclosed a $300M purchase of $TRUMP coin. While not confirmed to be linked, the timing has raised further questions about foreign influence and national security.

As the meme coin frenzy continues, even some Republican crypto advocates are raising red flags. Senator Cynthia Lummis said the dinner gave her “pause.”

And yet, the party didn’t end with dessert. A Singapore-based firm threw an after-party dubbed “Meme The Night,” celebrating what one attendee called “a historic moment in crypto and politics.”

Related: Justin Sun Buys His Way to Trump’s Table: SEC-Targeted Crypto Tycoon Now Top TrumpCoin Holder

The post Trump’s $148M Meme Coin Dinner Sparks Praise, Protest, and Foreign Influence Fears first appeared on Finblog.

Hayden Davis, an insider behind the meme coin endorsed by Javier Milei, $LIBRA, said they made “more or less $110 MILLION.” Some insiders were reimbursed $5+ million while retail saw -$4.4 BILLION of market cap erased.

What is happening here?

An exclusive interview with Hayden Davis, the lead insider behind $LIBRA, was just released by Coffeezilla.

As seen in the clip below, Hayden says he now has:

1. More or less $100 million cash
2. $11 million in tokens
3. $13 million in fees

Total cash is ~$113 MILLION.

An exclusive interview with Hayden Davis, the lead insider behind $LIBRA, was just released by Coffeezilla.

As seen in the clip below, Hayden says he now has:

1. More or less $100 million cash
2. $11 million in tokens
3. $13 million in fees

Total cash is ~$113 MILLION. pic.twitter.com/2291C8EVHC

— The Kobeissi Letter (@KobeissiLetter) February 17, 2025

But, it gets even worse.

Hayden admits that he was a part of the launch of Melania Trump’s meme coin. After the launch of $LIRBA, wallet P5tb4 sent $2.4M of profits to 0xcEA, a $MELANIA insider’s wallet, per @Bubblemaps.

The same insiders cashed-in MILLIONS on $MELANIA.

Now that we know 0xcEA is likely both a $MELANIA and $LIBRA insider’s wallet, this makes more sense. 0xcEA is also linked to wallet DEfcyK, an insider that cashed out $87.4 MILLION on $LIBRA’s launch day.

In fact, not only is DEfcyK an insider, it’s the creator of $LIBRA.

Hayden admits insiders traded on nonpublic information, which is a violation of securities law. He also said they used insider access to “snipe” price, control liquidity, and influence price action. This is a clear confession of market manipulation (also illegal).

And, it keeps getting worse.

Dave Portnoy, @stoolpresidente, revealed that Hayden “refunded” $5 million of his losses on $LIBRA. Hayden claims this is his “personal money” and not related to the $110M from $LIBRA.

Where did the money come from? Likely $MELANIA and other rugs.

And, it keeps getting worse.

Dave Portnoy, @stoolpresidente, revealed that Hayden "refunded" $5 million of his losses on $LIBRA.

Hayden claims this is his "personal money" and not related to the $110M from $LIBRA.

Where did the money come from? Likely $MELANIA and other rugs. pic.twitter.com/E08daZpQmn

— The Kobeissi Letter (@KobeissiLetter) February 17, 2025

In a separate post, @stoolpresidente says his friend “Elio” is behind wallets that have bought multiple coins Portnoy promoted. He says there “are advantages to being one of my best friends staying in my house when I’m trenching.”

This is another case of insider trading.

To put this into perspective, this admission is like Jeff Bezos telling a friend what Amazon’s earnings will be before they are posted. Sharing material non-public information with a friend who then trades on it is the DEFINITION of insider trading.

Incredible.

Coffeezilla then asks if its unfair for Hayden to snipe $LIBRA if he launched it. His answer: “So, I would say no.” His rationale? If he doesn’t “snipe” it then someone else will.

In other words, Hayden believes $LIBRA creators’ insider trading is completely justified. As seen in our chart below, the $87.4 million “snipe” by $LIRBA insiders marked the near EXACT top. This is the same $87.4 million linked to the creator’s wallet.

Insiders cashing out ~$110 million resulted in a -$4.4 BILLION crash due to lack of liquidity in the market.

Hayden goes on to say that he is using the $110M+ from $LIBRA as leverage in negotiations. Not only is this Misappropriation of Funds (Potential Fraud), but he is also using those funds as a bargaining chip.

Coffeezilla then asks if its unfair for Hayden to snipe $LIBRA if he launched it.

His answer: "So, I would say no."

His rationale? If he doesn't "snipe" it then someone else will.

In other words, Hayden believes $LIBRA creators' insider trading is completely justified. pic.twitter.com/129PY2wEVp

— The Kobeissi Letter (@KobeissiLetter) February 17, 2025

Hayden admitted to at least 7 felonies throughout the interview. Hayden proposed 3 solutions with the $110M in cash he holds:

1. Give the $110M to an Argentina non-profit

2. Give the $110M back as a refund

3. “Inject” the $110M back into the chart

He is leaning towards option #3, likely because it allows him to keep the most money. Lastly, the most ironic part is that $LIBRA jumped 100% on hopes of the capital “injection.” This means investors could be rugged AGAIN if he doesn’t follow through.

Did Milei just destroy the memecoin market?

Related: Javier Milei just DESTROYED market: Are meme coins officially DEAD?

The post $LIBRA Meme Coin Scandal: Insiders Reap $110M While Retail Investors Lose Billions first appeared on Finblog.

Is this the biggest rug pull in history?

It all began with this post at 5:01 PM ET from Javier Milei. As seen during President Trump’s meme coin launch, the first hour was full of speculation:

Was this a hack or a real launch?

It turned out to be real as multiple other Argentinian politicians posted the news. Right off the bat, something seemed off about this project. The website says the purpose of this launch is “to boost the Argentine economy by funding small projects.”

The icing on the cake? The website literally links to a Google Form to “apply for funding.” Strange.

But it gets worse.

The website was created hours before launch, as shown below. The domain was registered for a 1-year registration period. There is no public owner information and there are multiple restricted domain statuses.

Was this project literally created overnight?

Within 3 hours of the launch, insiders in $LIBRA began cashing out. According to Bubblemaps, $87.4 MILLION was cashed out within the first 3 hours. Furthermore, 82% of $LIBRA was held in one cluster and no tokenomics were shared with the public.

But it gets even worse.

As Bubblemaps notes below, insiders were adding one-sided liquidity pools on Meteora with only $LIBRA. They were removing USD and SOL and used these liquidity pools instead of selling on the market.

$LIBRA fell 90%+ as the $87.4M in sales absorbed all buy pressure at the top.

Within minutes of the launch, multiple large holders began liquidating MILLIONS of USD worth of $LIBRA. This included gains of +$4 million or more as $LIBRA rose to $4.6 billion in market cap.

After the top was set at 5:40 PM ET, the coin fell in a literal straight-line.

In fact, these insiders controlled so much of the market that only ~27% of transactions were sales. This means that LARGE sale transactions were filled by smaller buys, likely to retail traders. For every seller, there were 2 buyers and over $1.1 BILLION of volume was traded.

Now, Javier Milei has posted that he was “not aware of the details of the project.” He says that after becoming aware of the details, he decided to stop spreading the word and delete the post. $LIBRA just fell to a new low of $200 million in market cap, erasing $4.4 BILLION.

The launch of this coin took so much liquidity out of the market that even $TRUMP coin fell sharply. We saw over $500 MILLION in market cap erased from $TRUMP after the launch. More than 50,000 wallets became holders of $LIBRA within the first 2 hours of launch.

This entire event has completely destroyed the majority of liquidity in the meme coin market. $6+ billion of market cap has been erased over the last 3 hours across the market.

Are meme coins officially dead?!….

Related:

The stock market just won’t crack. Bulls say it’s time for a breakout to new highs

Schwab reports GME stock price above $40,000 in latest glitch: Naked short-selling manipulation?

Source: TKL

The post Javier Milei just DESTROYED market: Are meme coins officially DEAD? first appeared on Finblog.

The attackers used the hijacked accounts to promote fake Solana tokens, promising high returns to unsuspecting investors. By leveraging the credibility of high-profile names like Visa and Dean Norris, the scammers managed to amplify the reach of their fraudulent activities.

Users were redirected to fraudulent websites claiming to offer exclusive token sales, but instead, their funds were siphoned away. This exploit demonstrates the evolving tactics scammers employ to capitalize on the booming cryptocurrency market.

Impact on the Community

• Crypto Investors Targeted: The attack targeted retail investors eager to participate in Solana-related projects, exploiting their trust in recognized names.
• Visa and Dean Norris Respond: Both parties have regained control of their accounts and issued statements warning users against interacting with the fraudulent content.
• Rising Scam Trends: This incident underscores the need for heightened vigilance as scams involving cryptocurrency and social media continue to rise.

Cybersecurity analysts point out that scammers increasingly rely on social engineering tactics to exploit high-profile platforms. The attack also highlights vulnerabilities in account security measures and the urgent need for enhanced protections on social media platforms.

This event serves as a reminder for individuals and organizations to exercise caution while interacting with cryptocurrency promotions online. Always verify the authenticity of information, even when it appears to come from trusted sources, and ensure robust security measures to protect accounts from potential breaches.

The post Scammers Hijack Visa, Dean Norris Social Media Accounts to Promote Fake Solana Tokens first appeared on Finblog.

1. New Wallet Dominance:
   • 50% of TRUMP token holders were new to Solana, indicating a significant influx of first-time users into the blockchain ecosystem.
   • Almost 46.5% of wallets holding TRUMP and MELANIA tokens were created on the same day the tokens were purchased, highlighting the memecoins’ rapid adoption among retail investors.
2. Low Earnings for Most Holders:
   • 77% of TRUMP memecoin holders earned less than $100, underlining the disparity in profits within the ecosystem. This data suggests that most retail investors failed to capitalize on the speculative hype surrounding the tokens.
3. Whale Control:
   • 40 whales collectively hold 94% of the TRUMP and MELANIA tokens, showcasing a highly centralized distribution.
   • 60 whales profited over $10 million each, demonstrating the disproportionate gains by a small group of investors, likely due to early access and large-scale trading.

The centralization of TRUMP and MELANIA tokens raises concerns about fairness in the memecoin ecosystem. While the hype attracted many new users to Solana, the uneven distribution of profits could deter long-term adoption and trust. The dominance of a small number of whales also exposes the tokens to potential market manipulation.

Related: Donald Trump Did Not Get Tens Of Billions Of Dollars Richer From $TRUMP Meme Coin—Here’s Why

Here’s why you should avoid $TRUMP meme coin

$TRUMP MEME Hit $24B Market Cap in Hours: What happened?!

$TRUMP dips after Trump admits ‘I don’t know much about it’

The post 77% of $TRUMP holders made less than $100 first appeared on Finblog.

Meme Coin Mania Overshadows Crypto Policy

• $TRUMP Coin Hype: The $TRUMP memecoin skyrocketed in popularity after its launch, briefly achieving a market cap of $6 billion before crashing by 35%. Despite its name, there is no official connection to Donald Trump, adding to the speculative nature of the token.
• Impact on Legitimacy: Critics argue that the emergence of meme coins like $TRUMP undermines efforts to legitimize cryptocurrencies, as they draw attention to the speculative and volatile side of the market.

Crypto Enthusiasts’ Expectations

• Pro-Crypto Administration Hopes: Many in the crypto community anticipated that Trump’s administration would adopt policies to foster innovation and clarity in the cryptocurrency market.
• Potential for Regulation: Trump has previously hinted at making the U.S. the “crypto capital of the world,” raising hopes for a more structured and transparent regulatory environment.

Melania Trump’s NFT Venture

• In parallel to Trump’s presidency, Melania Trump has launched her own NFT collections, signaling an endorsement of blockchain technology. However, these efforts have been criticized for lacking substance and contributing to the speculative nature of the market.

Challenges Ahead

• Regulatory Uncertainty: While Trump’s administration is expected to introduce crypto-friendly policies, the rise of unregulated meme coins and scams threatens to derail these efforts.
• Market Volatility: The speculative frenzy around meme coins like $TRUMP highlights the challenges of balancing innovation with investor protection.

As Trump’s administration navigates its approach to cryptocurrency regulation, the rise of meme coins has complicated the narrative. While there is potential for meaningful reforms, the chaotic nature of the current market could hinder progress toward legitimizing digital assets.

Source: The Washington Post

Related: Donald Trump Did Not Get Tens Of Billions Of Dollars Richer From $TRUMP Meme Coin—Here’s Why

Here’s why you should avoid $TRUMP meme coin

$TRUMP MEME Hit $24B Market Cap in Hours: What happened?!

$TRUMP dips after Trump admits ‘I don’t know much about it’

The post Crypto fans hoped Trump would make them legit. Then came the meme coins first appeared on Finblog.

Rex has submitted new ETF registration documents to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), proposing several cryptocurrency-focused funds, including ETFs tied to $TRUMP, DOGE, BONK, Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, and Solana. The filings showcase a bold move to incorporate both traditional and meme-inspired crypto assets into mainstream finance.

ICYMI: Rex Osprey has filed for a $TRUMP, $BONK, and $DOGE ETF with the SEC  pic.twitter.com/fHRC1JXpOE— BlockNews (@blocknewsdotcom) January 21, 2025

TRUMP ETF and Market Impact

The proposed TRUMP ETF aims to track the performance of the TRUMP memecoin, launched before Donald Trump’s inauguration. The filing highlights TRUMP’s rapid ascent, briefly reaching a $15 billion market cap before dropping by 50%, emphasizing its volatile nature. The ETF would gain exposure through direct holdings, futures contracts, and swap agreements.

SEC’s Evolving Stance

Historically cautious about crypto ETFs, especially those tied to novel assets, the SEC’s decision on these funds could signal a significant shift under the new administration. The inclusion of memecoin-based ETFs like TRUMP and DOGE marks a potential departure from the regulatory conservatism seen during Gary Gensler’s tenure.

Broader Implications for Crypto ETFs

If approved, these ETFs could reshape the market by blending traditional assets with meme-driven tokens, reflecting the growing cultural and financial influence of cryptocurrencies. However, the SEC’s evaluation of portfolio risks and memecoin volatility will be crucial in determining their fate. For now, Trump’s silence on crypto matters leaves the future of these initiatives uncertain.

The post $Trump and DOGE get ETF filings as Trump begins second term in office first appeared on Finblog.

Donald Trump’s newly launched namesake meme coin has taken another tumble after the US president admitted he didn’t know much about it.

“I don’t know where it is. I don’t know much about it other than I launched it, other than it was very successful,” Trump said in response to a reporter’s question at a Jan. 21 press conference announcing a $500 billion artificial intelligence investment venture.

“I haven’t checked it. Where is it today?” he asked. After he was told his token made billions, he said, “Several billion … that’s peanuts for these guys” — pointing behind him to OpenAI boss Sam Altman, Oracle tech chief Larry Ellison and SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son.

$TRUMP crashes over -30% after Trump says "I don't know very much about it." Then corrected, worth to say.#WednesdayMotivation pic.twitter.com/9yi7JaXkud

— Finblog.com (@FinBlog452366) January 22, 2025

The Official Trump (TRUMP) meme coin has dropped from a 24-hour high of over $48 to trade around $42. The token is down over 43% since its peak high of $73.43 on Jan. 19, according to CoinGecko.

Trump’s crypto team conducted a surprise launch of the meme coin on Jan. 18. It hit an all-time high the following day, giving it a fully diluted valuation of more than $70 billion, flipping other major meme coins. 

“Trump just nuked his own meme coin,” said Bloomberg ETF analyst James Seyffart in response to Trump’s comments.

Financial outlet The Kobeissi Letter commented that “it seems as though Donald Trump is not actively involved with the launch of TRUMP. This also explains the absence of comments since it launched.” 

Adding to TRUMP’s decline was the launch of a namesake meme coin by First Lady Melania Trump. Melania Meme (MELANIA) topped $13 in an all-time high on Jan. 20 but has since tanked 68% to just over $4. 

BREAKING: Donald Trump’s memecoin, $TRUMP, crashes over -30% after he says “I don’t know very much about it.”

Who’s running the $TRUMP memecoin? pic.twitter.com/p9gWVz1HVV— The Kobeissi Letter (@KobeissiLetter) January 21, 2025

Related: Donald Trump Did Not Get Tens Of Billions Of Dollars Richer From $TRUMP Meme Coin—Here’s Why

Here’s why you should avoid $TRUMP meme coin

$TRUMP MEME Hit $24B Market Cap in Hours: What happened?!

The crypto community has been sceptical about the president’s meme coin, with some correctly predicting that it would sell off after the inauguration. 

There are 200 million TRUMP currently in circulation, and supply will grow to a total of 1 billion coins over three years, according to a statement on the token’s website. 

According to Arkham Intelligence, one crypto wallet owned by Trump is very meme coin heavy, with the largest holding being a token called TROG of which he has $3.1 million worth. 

The post $TRUMP dips after Trump admits ‘I don’t know much about it’ first appeared on Finblog.