Trump's Exclusive Gala: Glitz. Glamour. and a 16% Crypto Crash

US President Donald Trump recently hosted an exclusive black-tie gala at his Virginia golf club, attracting nearly 220 guests who collectively spent $148 million on his meme coin cryptocurrency for the chance to attend. The high-profile event included industry executives, crypto influencers, and former NBA player Lamar Odom, who used the occasion to promote his own token, $ODOM. Despite the lavish setting, some attendees reported dissatisfaction with the event. Nicholas Pinto, a social media influencer, expressed disappointment over the food quality, describing it as “Walmart steak” and noting that guests were only provided water or Trump’s wine. Pinto stated that Trump made a brief 23-minute appearance, delivering a speech that reiterated familiar crypto themes before leaving on a helicopter without engaging further with attendees. Concerns were also raised about security, as phones were not secured, allowing guests to monitor the fluctuating value of the cryptocurrency during dinner. Pinto remarked on the prevalence of Richard Mille watches among attendees, highlighting a sense of exclusivity that he felt was diluted by the number of similar items in sight. Just hours after the gala, the price of Trump’s meme coin dropped by 16%, casting a shadow over the evening’s festivities. Pinto concluded that, despite the price drop, the event would remain memorable, albeit for reasons other than the quality of the meal.