Donald Trump displayed the official U.S. presidential seal while speaking at a $TRUMP memecoin investor dinner on May 23, 2025. The event was held at Trump National Golf Club in Virginia and brought together 220 crypto investors linked to the $TRUMP token.
Trump stood behind a lectern showing the seal. U.S. federal law—specifically 18 U.S. Code § 713—bans the use of the presidential seal in private events that could imply government approval. Violations may result in fines or up to six months in prison.
The president arrived at the golf club on a military helicopter. During the dinner, he criticized the Biden administration’s crypto policies and addressed the guests. When asked about the event, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters,
“It is not a White House dinner. It’s not taking place here at the White House.”
Legal Pressure Builds Over $TRUMP Memecoin Dinner
Trump’s past use of the presidential seal at private properties has drawn attention before. Forbes reported that several Trump-owned golf clubs used the seal as golf markers. However, its appearance at an event promoting the $TRUMP memecoin has triggered a stronger response from lawmakers.
On May 22, a group of 35 Democratic lawmakers sent a letter to the Department of Justice. They addressed it to Edward Sullivan, acting chief of the public integrity section. The letter requested an investigation into whether the $TRUMP memecoin dinner violated the federal bribery statute or the U.S. Constitution’s foreign emoluments clause.
Under the emoluments clause, a president cannot accept gifts from foreign states without Congress’s approval. The lawmakers pointed out that the event may give foreign nationals access to Trump without transparency.
Foreign Crypto Investors Raise Red Flags
Bloomberg reported that many of the attendees at the $TRUMP crypto dinner were likely foreign nationals. Their ties to international cryptocurrency exchanges raised concerns among U.S. lawmakers. The dinner was promoted as an exclusive chance to meet Trump, with no clear disclosures about donor identities.
The lawmakers’ letter noted,
“US law prohibits foreign persons from contributing to US political campaigns. However, the $TRUMP memecoin, including the promotion of a dinner promising exclusive access to the President, opens the door for foreign governments to buy influence with the President, all without disclosing their identities.”
This raised questions about campaign finance rules and the risks tied to foreign involvement in political events linked to crypto.
High-Profile Crypto Figures Attend Trump Crypto Dinner
Trump’s stance on cryptocurrency has shifted since his first presidential term. He now supports the $TRUMP memecoin, launched earlier in 2025. The token peaked at $74.34 but dropped to $14.44 by May 22.
Attendees at the dinner included Tron founder Justin Sun. Bloomberg reported that Sun invested over $40 million in $TRUMP tokens and gave a speech at the event. Sun is also tied to World Liberty Financial, a Trump-affiliated company under regulatory review.
Other guests included former NBA player Lamar Odom andAsian crypto executives Sangrok Oh and Vincent Liu. Their presence has added to concerns about the nature of financial support surrounding Trump’s crypto-linked activities.
