A glittering chandelier-lit hall at Trump National Golf Club in Washington, D.C., was filled with anticipation last Thursday as crypto enthusiasts gathered for a dinner that promised proximity to the former—and potentially future—President Donald J. Trump.
With Bitcoin at an all-time high and the crypto crowd buzzing with optimism, attendees were expecting a major moment for the future of digital assets in America. But for many, what unfolded was less a milestone event and more a mix of spectacle and salesmanship.
Among the guests was Nicholas Pinto, a 25-year-old influencer and car enthusiast, who had driven over four hours to attend. He arrived just in time, sweating slightly, only to find a reception that resembled a wedding more than a political gala. Nine-person tables were dressed in white, raffle tickets were handed out at the door, and the goodie bags contained Trump-branded hats and posters. Most of the room wore tuxedos or suits; Pinto opted for a t-shirt under a blazer.
The dinner was exclusive to the top 220 holders of the Trump-themed meme coin—an unofficial token that had captivated a niche community of investors. Pinto had reportedly invested over $320,000 to earn his seat, but it fell far short of the $4.8 million average held by the VIPs at the front of the room. Those select 25 were led into a private area to meet Trump himself.
Trump arrived via helicopter, visible through the dinner hall windows, before being introduced by long-time business partner Bill Zanker, who described the meme coin holders as “the top 25” and hyped Trump as the 45th, 47th, and “48th” president, alluding to an impossible third term.
The former president gave two speeches: a brief four-minute address to the VIPs and a longer, 23-minute speech to the main room.
He spoke favorably about crypto’s resilience, nodded to America’s role as a leader in innovation, and offered general support for the digital asset industry—though no new policies or promises were announced.
“I was waiting for something more,” said one attendee, Morten Christensen, founder of AirdropAlert. “Had my phone out and wallets ready in case there was a surprise alpha drop—nothing.”
Some felt misled. “We thought we were dining with Trump,” Pinto said. “In reality, it was a brief appearance with no real interaction. The dinner felt more like a campaign gimmick than an authentic moment for the crypto community.”
Even the food fell flat. Pinto described the steak as “overcooked and cheap,” likening the catering quality to fast food. The event also featured a raffle for Trump-branded watches, with four going to top token holders—among them Chinese crypto billionaire Justin Sun—and two awarded randomly. Pinto didn’t win.
Outside the venue, over 100 demonstrators gathered in protest, calling for an end to “crypto corruption.” In the days leading up to the event, U.S. lawmakers raised concerns over potential foreign influence tied to the meme coin’s anonymous holders.
Inside, those suspicions weren’t entirely dismissed. “Everyone there was sketchy,” Pinto said. “Faceless. Every time I took a photo, someone would block their face.”
Despite the pageantry and presidential presence, many left the event underwhelmed. No clear vision for crypto policy was laid out, and the anticipated one-on-one moments with Trump never materialized.
For Pinto, the evening didn’t live up to the promise. “We were lied to and used like puppets,” he said.
The steak was cold. The speech was short. The questions about crypto’s role in politics? Still simmering.
