preCharge News CRYPTO — President Donald Trump is set to raise millions this month through two unconventional fundraisers aimed at crypto enthusiasts and meme coin investors. One is a $1.5 million-per-plate dinner for deep-pocketed donors, while the other targets holders of the $TRUMP meme token. Both events highlight Trump’s evolving relationship with the digital asset community as he seeks to bolster his political war chest.

Crypto and AI Innovators Dinner: A $1.5 Million Per Plate Affair

The first event, scheduled for May 5, is a lavish “Crypto & AI Innovators Dinner” hosted by MAGA Inc., Trump’s primary super PAC. Tickets for this exclusive gathering are priced at $1.5 million each, making it one of the priciest political fundraisers in recent memory. Special guest David Sacks, a key Trump ally and influential voice in Washington’s evolving crypto regulations, will join the president at the event.

MAGA Inc., the super PAC behind the fundraiser, is constitutionally barred from supporting Trump in a third presidential run. However, it continues to raise significant sums, with plans to wield its financial power in support of Trump-aligned candidates and causes. The group’s growing influence in crypto policy has earned it praise from blockchain entrepreneurs, who credit Sacks and other Trump appointees with a dramatic policy shift, reversing many of the Biden administration’s strict regulatory stances.

Meme Coin Millionaires Get Their Own Black-Tie Bash

Later this month, Trump National in the Washington, D.C. area will host a second exclusive event for the top 220 holders of the $TRUMP meme coin. Unlike the May 5 dinner, this gala is not cash-based — entry is determined by a blockchain-based contest. The top 220 token holders, based on wallet balances as of May 12, will earn a seat at the event, while the top 25 will receive a VIP White House tour and special reception.

The contest, which has triggered a trading frenzy, promises personal access to Trump but comes with notable caveats. According to the project’s terms and conditions, Trump’s attendance is not guaranteed, and the event can be canceled “for any reason.” In that case, attendees will receive a Trump-themed NFT instead, potentially disappointing some deep-pocketed supporters.

Meme Coin Controversy: Insider Profits and Ethical Concerns

Critics have raised concerns about the opaque nature of the $TRUMP token contest. With crypto wallets largely pseudonymous, it remains unclear who the biggest token holders are. Watchdog group Accountable.US described the contest as “the most nakedly corrupt self-enrichment scheme in U.S. presidential history,” warning that it could allow foreign actors to gain influence over a former U.S. president.

The token itself has seen a meteoric rise, surging over 50% after the gala was announced. However, blockchain analytics firm Chainalysis found that roughly 80% of the token supply is controlled by the Trump Organization and affiliates. Since its January launch, trading activity has generated more than $324 million in fees for insiders, thanks to a built-in mechanism that routes a percentage of each trade to wallets controlled by the project’s creators.

Despite these ethical concerns, insiders have reportedly agreed to delay cashing out their tokens for at least another 90 days, according to the project’s public disclosures.

Balancing Hype and Political Strategy

Trump’s crypto push reflects a broader strategy to harness the financial power of digital asset investors ahead of 2028. While his super PAC can’t directly support another presidential bid, its growing war chest could fund an influential political machine, further solidifying Trump’s grip on the Republican Party.

As Trump continues to navigate the volatile world of crypto, his latest fundraising moves highlight the complex relationship between digital currencies and modern political campaigns — a dynamic likely to shape U.S. politics for years to come.

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Associated Press, CNBC News, Fox News, and preCharge News contributed to this report.