Cryptocurrency investors who forked out over one million dollars for an exclusive private dinner with Donald Trump were left wanting after the meal failed to impress.
The black-tie event at President Trump’s Virginia golf club last Thursday had promised to be the "most exclusive invitation in the world” for the top 220 holders of the $TRUMP coin.
Highlights
- Crypto investors paid $1.7M to dine with Trump but widely criticized the food as disappointing.
- The top 25 coin holders were promised exclusive access and VIP tours, but Trump left after a brief speech.
- Critics have accused Trump of exploiting his political status to profit from the $TRUMP coin event, sparking protests at the venue.
Attendees, who paid at least $1.7million to attend, were served filet mignon with a demi-glace and pan-seared halibut topped with a citrus reduction.
Guests at the black-tie event were disappointed by the food and Trump's speech
Image credits: scooterwheel / Instagram
But while the meal sounds extravagant, those at the swanky event said much was left to be desired.
Crypto investor Nick Pinto told Wired that he left the event feeling hungry.
“It was the worst food I’ve ever had at a Trump golf course,” he said. “The only good thing was bread and butter.”
Meanwhile, another attendee described the meal as “OK, but not top-class.”
When Wired reporter Matthew Champion shared an image of the dinner online, the food was fiercely mocked.
Many described it as being akin to “prison food” and said a McDonald’s meal would have been better.
Image credits: nicholaspinto_ / X
CNBC correspondent Steve Kovach, who was not at the event, compared the dinner to something you would eat on a budget airline.
“I've had better food on Spirit Airlines,” he said, according to The Independent.
“It’s giving elementary school with that ice cream scoop of mashed potatoes,” another added.
“My hospital food looked better than this,” a third wrote.
And the unsatisfactory meal wasn’t the only source of frustration for attendees.
The top 25 coin holders had been promised an exclusive pre-dinner reception with the president and a VIP tour, but Trump reportedly left after giving a brief 23-minute speech.
Image credits: scooterwheel / Instagram
“For the top 25 coin holders, you are invited to an exclusive reception before dinner with your favorite president,” the event website said.
“Plus, we have separately arranged a special VIP tour for you—so make sure you stay in town.”
During his talk, Trump was said to have frequently veered off topic and did not speak about crypto in depth.
“We’ve got some of the smartest minds anywhere in the world right here in this room,” Trump reportedly said.
“You believe in the whole crypto thing. A lot of people are starting to believe in it … This is really something that may be special—who knows, right? Who knows—but it may be special.”
The event sparked significant backlash, with opponents claiming that Trump exploited his political status to generate wealth for himself and his relatives.
The top 25 holders were also promised a private pre-dinner meeting with Trump
Image credits: nicholaspinto_ / X
Critics said the private dinner and $TRUMP coin promotion was a way for Trump to capitalize on his name and influence, raising questions about whether personal financial interests were being placed above ethical considerations.
Protestors were outside the venue holding signs as guests arrived at the event and they chanted “shame, shame shame” while holding them, some of which called Trump “corrupt" and "a traitor."
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters on Thursday that claims Trump was using his presidency to enrich himself were absurd.
Image credits: scooterwheel / Instagram
“The president is abiding by all conflict of interest laws that are applicable to the president,” she said. “And I think everybody, the American public, believe it's absurd for anyone to insinuate that this president is profiting off of the presidency.
“This president was incredibly successful before giving it all up to serve our country publicly, not only has he lost wealth, but he also almost lost his life.
“He has sacrificed a lot to be here. And to suggest otherwise is, frankly, completely absurd.”
The identities of many of the dinner attendees remain undisclosed as they bagged tickets through a public leaderboard, with most signing up using anonymous usernames.
But some notable names who reportedly attended include Chinese cryptocurrency entrepreneur Justin Sun, former NBA player Lamar Odom, and Cherry Hsu, Chief Business Officer of MemeCore.
According to the newsletter Citation Needed, approximately 73% of the guests on the top 220 public leaderboard were likely based outside the U.S. – sparking foreign influence concerns.
The $TRUMP cryptocurrency coin was launched in early 2025.
It was created and is largely owned by companies affiliated with Trump, including CIC Digital and Fight Fight Fight LLC.
Since then, the businesses have made over $300 million in sales and $43 million in total fees, according to a Washington Post analysis.