Trump Meme Coin Gala Contest Ends, Top 220 Holders Earn NFTs and Perks

President Donald Trump’s official meme coin competition has concluded, with the top 220 participants set to be notified of their victory, the project announced Monday.

All entrants will receive commemorative NFTs, but the spotlight is on a select group: those invited to an exclusive, three-course dinner with the former President at his 600-acre Trump National Golf Club in Washington, D.C., offering sweeping views of the Potomac River.

Described as “the most exclusive invitation in the world,” the event was launched 23 April by CIC Digital LLC and Fight Fight Fight LLC—two Trump-affiliated entities that jointly control 80% of the TRUMP token supply.

The evening promises not only luxury, but a rare chance to “hear firsthand President Trump talk about the future of crypto.”

Winners were chosen based on who spent the most on TRUMP tokens and held them the longest between the announcement and Monday’s 1.30 pm ET deadline.

Identities remain anonymous, masked behind usernames and crypto wallet addresses on the leaderboard.

To qualify, participants needed at least 4,196 TRUMP coins, while the top 25 holders—averaging 325,000 coins—earned VIP access to a private tour and pre-dinner reception with “YOUR FAVORITE PRESIDENT,” beneath the chandeliers of the estate’s grand ballroom.

The announcement also hinted at a broader agenda, referring to a coming “Next Era for TRUMP.”

TRUMP Rallied Nearly 50% in Past Month Due to Hype

Since its launch in January, Trump’s official meme coin has seen significant price swings—surging to an all-time high of $73 before sharply retreating.

As of now, TRUMP trades at $13.04, down 5% on the day but up nearly 17% over the past week, with a 50% gain over the past month reflecting growing market momentum despite ongoing controversy.

Accusations of corruption and political favouritism have clouded the project, especially after it promised the top 220 holders a chance to dine with the President.

Critics claim the event blurs ethical lines, alleging that private firms may have bought large amounts of TRUMP to gain political access.

In response, organisers have offered incentives that appear designed to discourage holders from selling until after the 22 May gala dinner at Trump National Golf Club in Washington, D.C.

The team has also teased future developments for the token, hinting at longer-term utility.

The competition’s managers claimed:

“But that’s not it…the beginning of the Trump REWARDS POINTS PROGRAM for TRUMP starts NOW! Connect your wallet to start earning points for what’s to come. DIAMOND HAND Holders will also give you more TRUMP REWARDS POINTS! The Next Era of TRUMP will be announced at the dinner! See you there.”

While details remain scarce, the dinner may serve as a pivotal moment not just for the project, but for the broader intersection of politics and crypto.

Winners to be Rewarded with NFTs and Perks

In Monday’s announcement, the team behind Trump’s meme coin revealed that all leaderboard participants will receive an NFT, with the top 220 earning additional rewards.

To further incentivise long-term holding, the project introduced a limited-edition TRUMP DIAMOND HAND Solana NFT, reserved exclusively for the top 220 invitees who maintain their token holdings at the level recorded at the final leaderboard snapshot.

The move appears aimed at reinforcing commitment among high-value holders and curbing short-term selloffs.

TRUMP an Unethical Money-Grabbing Initiative?

Since its debut, the TRUMP meme coin has drawn sharp criticism, with detractors labelling it a self-serving “money grab” and raising concerns over potential abuse of political power for personal gain.

Critics warn that the coin could serve as a discreet channel for funnelling wealth to the Trump family—particularly if foreign or politically motivated actors purchase large volumes to gain favour.

The exclusive dinner reward for top holders, seen by some as a clear quid pro quo, has only intensified these concerns.

Democratic senator Jon Ossoff said in a town hall meeting in late April:

“He is granting audiences to people who buy the memecoin that directly enriches him.”

In response, Democratic lawmakers have introduced the MEME Act, aimed at banning elected officials from launching personal meme coins amidst fears they could enable bribery or foreign interference.

While the bill is unlikely to pass in a Republican-controlled Congress—especially given Trump’s influence over his party—it underscores rising unease over the intersection of political office and cryptocurrency ventures.

Democratic congressman Sam Liccardo, who introduced the MEME Act, explained:

“It provides a cloak for payments from bad actors to elected officials and their family. The point is that those who are benefiting may include individuals who do not have America’s best interests at heart.”