Donald Trump’s recent dinner for top holders of his namesake memecoin, TRUMP, has drawn criticism from an unexpected source: one of the attendees. Nicholas Pinto, a social media personality and crypto investor, didn’t hold back in his assessment of the event, describing the food as the “worst” he’s ever had at a Trump property and dismissing Trump’s speech as “pretty much like bullshit.” This critique adds another layer to the already controversial dinner, which has also attracted scrutiny from lawmakers.
A Disappointing Menu
According to Pinto, the three-course meal served at the May 22 event was a major letdown. While attendees reportedly paid significant sums to attend, the menu consisted of a “Trump organic field green salad,” followed by filet mignon and pan-seared halibut with mashed potatoes and a vegetable medley, and lava cake for dessert. Pinto, however, wasn’t impressed.
“It was the worst food I’ve ever had at a Trump golf course,” Pinto told WIRED. He even went as far as to compare the filet mignon to a “Walmart steak” in an interview with Fortune. His sentiments were echoed by others at his table, who reportedly agreed that the food was subpar. Pinto humorously suggested that even Big Macs or pizza, known to be Trump’s favorites, would have been a better alternative.
Trump’s Speech Under Fire
The criticism wasn’t limited to the culinary offerings. Pinto also took issue with Trump’s speech at the event, labeling it as “pretty much like bullshit.” Videos circulating on social media show Trump reading from a script, acknowledging the presence of “smartest minds” and hinting at the potential of cryptocurrency.
“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,” Trump stated.
However, some attendees expressed disappointment that Trump left immediately after his speech, foregoing the opportunity to present watches to top token investors. The speech has been perceived by some as lacking substance and genuine engagement with the crypto community.
Political Fallout and Investigation Calls
The memecoin dinner has attracted attention beyond the crypto world, with 35 Democrats calling for the Justice Department to investigate the event. Their concerns revolve around potential violations of federal bribery statutes and the foreign emoluments clause of the Constitution. The emoluments clause prohibits the US president from accepting gifts from foreign states without Congressional approval.
Trump’s decision to invite the top 220 holders of the TRUMP memecoin, many of whom are reportedly from around the world, has fueled these concerns. Critics argue that the dinner could be perceived as an attempt to solicit foreign investments, potentially compromising the integrity of the presidency.
Key Takeaways and Potential Implications
Here are some key takeaways from the Trump memecoin dinner controversy:
- Negative Feedback: A prominent guest publicly criticized the food and Trump’s speech at the event.
- Political Scrutiny: The dinner has triggered calls for investigation due to potential legal and ethical concerns.
- Emoluments Clause: The focus on potential foreign influence and the emoluments clause adds a layer of seriousness to the situation.
- Crypto Community Perception: The event and subsequent criticism could influence public perception of Trump’s engagement with the crypto industry.
The controversy surrounding Trump’s memecoin dinner highlights the intersection of politics, cryptocurrency, and potential ethical conflicts. The investigation, if pursued, could have significant implications for Trump and his future involvement in the crypto space.
