A recent dinner event hosted by Donald Trump for top holders of the TRUMP memecoin has sparked both culinary criticisms and political controversy. Held at the Trump National Golf Club in Virginia on May 22, the gathering aimed to celebrate the cryptocurrency’s elite investors. However, guests, including TikTok prankster Nicholas Pinto, left with more complaints than compliments about the evening’s offerings.
A Culinary Letdown
The dinner, which required guests to invest over $300,000 in the TRUMP token for a seat at the table, featured a three-course meal that many found underwhelming. “It was some of the worst food I’ve ever had at a Trump golf course,” Pinto lamented to WIRED on May 23. The menu included a “Trump organic field green salad,” filet mignon, pan-seared halibut, and a lava cake for dessert. Despite the lavish-sounding options, Pinto described the filet mignon as “trash,” likening it to a “Walmart steak.” Pictures of the food shared online did little to dispute his claim, with other attendees echoing his sentiment, calling the meal “OK, but not top-class.”
The most satisfying part of the meal, according to Pinto, was the bread and butter—hardly a ringing endorsement for a dinner that cost millions. Pinto’s humorous take on the situation didn’t stop there; he quipped to Fortune, “I was hoping for either Big Macs or pizza,” a nod to Trump’s well-known fondness for McDonald’s.
Speech or Spectacle?
The evening’s culinary disappointments were matched by reactions to Trump’s speech. Pinto and others found the address lacking in substance. According to videos shared on X, Trump, while reading from a script, praised the guests as some of the world’s brightest minds and hinted 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?” Trump mused, leaving attendees wanting more—both in terms of depth and duration. As explored in our recent coverage of Trump’s Crypto Sherpa Bo Hines Says Crypto Legislation on Target for Quick Completion, the regulatory landscape is rapidly evolving, adding layers of complexity to such events.
Pinto noted that the former president’s quick departure post-speech added to the guests’ frustration. Many had expected Trump to engage more personally, perhaps even distributing commemorative watches to the top investors—a gesture that never materialized.
Political Ramifications
Beyond the dinner table, the event has stirred political tensions. A group of 35 Democrats has urged the Justice Department to investigate the possibility of Trump accepting foreign investments at the dinner, potentially violating federal bribery statutes and the foreign emoluments clause of the Constitution. This clause prevents the U.S. president from accepting gifts from foreign states without Congress’s consent.
According to sources, the invitees included the top 220 largest TRUMP memecoin holders, many of whom reportedly traveled internationally to attend. This global participation raises questions about the dinner’s compliance with U.S. constitutional provisions—a matter that could have significant legal repercussions. For a deeper dive into the implications of such international engagements, see A Tiny Company Wants to Buy $20M TRUMP Token to Change U.S.-Mexico Trade Deals.
What’s Next?
As the dust settles on this controversial event, the intersection of cryptocurrency and politics continues to intrigue and perplex. The dinner, meant to celebrate a burgeoning digital asset, has instead spotlighted issues of transparency and ethics in the crypto sphere. Will this spark a broader investigation into the blending of political influence and digital finance? Only time will tell.
In the world of cryptocurrency, where volatility is the norm, the repercussions of such events can be as unpredictable as the markets themselves. As stakeholders navigate this complex landscape, the need for clarity and regulatory oversight becomes increasingly apparent. For now, the TRUMP token investors are left with a memory of a night that was memorable for reasons they might not have anticipated.
Source
This article is based on: Trump crypto dinner guest describes ‘worst food’ ever and ‘bullshit’ speech
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Steve Gregory is a lawyer in the United States who specializes in licensing for cryptocurrency companies and products. Steve began his career as an attorney in 2015 but made the switch to working in cryptocurrency full time shortly after joining the original team at Gemini Trust Company, an early cryptocurrency exchange based in New York City. Steve then joined CEX.io and was able to launch their regulated US-based cryptocurrency. Steve then went on to become the CEO at currency.com when he ran for four years and was able to lead currency.com to being fully acquired in 2025.
