A recent black-tie gala held at Donald Trump’s Virginia golf club for the top 220 buyers of his meme coin has sparked controversy and disappointment among attendees. The event took place on Thursday night and featured Trump arriving via Marine One, the presidential helicopter. Despite claims from the White House that it was a “private” gathering, Trump spoke at a lectern adorned with the presidential seal, raising ethical concerns regarding his potential profiteering from the presidency.
While many guests anticipated a lavish evening, the food served at the gala left much to be desired. The menu boasted a filet mignon with demi-glaze and pan-seared halibut with a citrus reduction, but the reality was far from expectations. TikTok personality Nick Pinto, who gained entry by investing $300,000 in the Trump family cryptocurrency, described the food as “the worst I’ve ever had at a Trump golf course.” He noted that the only redeeming aspect was the bread and butter, leaving him hungry after the event.
Another attendee echoed Pinto's sentiments, describing the meal as “OK, but not top-class.” The disappointing culinary experience was highlighted further when Wired reporter Matthew Champion shared a photo of a meager plate of food that went viral. CNBC correspondent Steve Kovach humorously remarked, “I've had better food on Spirit Airlines,” drawing attention to the stark contrast between expectations and reality.
The low-quality food served at the gala quickly became a topic of ridicule online. The plate featured a small piece of halibut that resembled dry chicken, with a scoop of yellow mashed potatoes and a few orange sticks. Joel Anderson, a senior staff writer at The Ringer, compared the catering to the infamous Fyre Festival, known for its fraudulent luxury promises that resulted in subpar meals.
Attendees had hoped to engage with Trump directly, but many were left underwhelmed by his 25-minute speech, which touched only briefly on cryptocurrency. “I think it’s really got a great, great future,” Trump stated, implying his administration’s support for the crypto space. However, his remarks did little to excite the crowd, and his limited presence at the event disappointed several guests.
The White House attempted to downplay the controversy surrounding the gala, with press secretary Karoline Leavitt insisting it was not an official event. Critics, including The Wall Street Journal, have accused Trump of using his office to enrich himself and his family through his cryptocurrency ventures. Since the launch of the meme coin in January, Trump's businesses have reportedly generated over $300 million in sales and $43 million in fees.
The gala was closed to the press, raising further ethical questions about transparency. Although the identities of the top buyers and their investment amounts were not publicly disclosed, it was reported that the top 25 participants held a combined total of $140 million in Trump coins. These top buyers were invited to an exclusive VIP reception, yet Trump’s brief appearance at the event left many feeling shortchanged.
While the gala was intended to be a celebration of Trump's meme coin and a networking opportunity for cryptocurrency enthusiasts, it ultimately fell short on multiple fronts. From the disappointing meal to the lack of meaningful interaction with the former president, attendees are likely to remember this event for the wrong reasons. As the controversy surrounding Trump's business dealings continues to unfold, this gala serves as a case study in the intersection of politics and profit.
