President Donald Trump said he has an “obligation” to support the crypto industry after hosting top buyers of his $TRUMP meme coin at Mar-a-Lago, according to reports from the event. Trump made the remarks Saturday before returning to Washington, arguing that crypto had become a major industry and that a president must help U.S. industries do well.
The gathering at Trump’s Palm Beach club was restricted to winners of a $TRUMP token contest. Reuters reported that the top 297 token holders received invitations, while the top 29 participants gained access to a VIP reception.
Entry to the event depended on $TRUMP holdings and purchases of Trump-branded merchandise. The Washington Post reported that public figures, including Mike Tyson and Tony Robbins, attended the gathering.
The $TRUMP token has lost significant value since its early 2025 peak. Reuters reported that $TRUMP dropped more than 95% from its high, while The Washington Post reported a decline of about 97%.
Despite the token’s decline, Trump family-linked crypto ventures have continued to generate substantial revenue. Reuters reported that the family’s crypto businesses have generated more than $1 billion, including $336 million from meme coin sales in early 2025.
The Mar-a-Lago event raised ethics questions because it connected token ownership with access to the president. Critics said the format gave wealthy crypto buyers a path to meet Trump while his administration shapes rules for the industry.
Trump has taken a pro-crypto stance since returning to office, and his administration has pushed digital asset policy as part of a wider effort to make the United States a larger player in crypto markets.
The White House has denied any conflict of interest. However, lawmakers and watchdog groups continue to question whether Trump’s public office and private crypto interests can remain separate as the administration expands its digital asset agenda.