WASHINGTON, United States – In a surprising move that has taken the financial and tech world by storm, US President-elect Donald Trump has launched his own cryptocurrency, aptly named $TRUMP, triggering a wave of speculation and surging market activity.
Announced via Trump’s official Truth Social platform and X (formerly Twitter), $TRUMP is being marketed as a “meme coin” — a type of cryptocurrency inspired by internet culture and popular figures, often with little intrinsic value but significant speculative appeal.
“This coin represents resilience, bold leadership, and a never-quit attitude,” declares the official website of $TRUMP, which prominently highlights Trump’s contentious and headline-grabbing political career. The site even references the assassination attempt Trump survived in July 2024, cementing the coin’s identity as a symbol of defiance.
A Billion-Dollar Splash
Despite skepticism from some quarters of the crypto community, $TRUMP’s market capitalization skyrocketed within hours of its release, hitting nearly $6 billion by mid-morning on Saturday. The buzz surrounding the launch was fueled by Trump’s endorsement and his history of using associated companies — such as CIC Digital LLC — for previous ventures like non-fungible tokens (NFTs).
“This is no ordinary meme coin,” said a spokesperson for Fight Fight Fight LLC, the company managing $TRUMP’s launch. “It’s a movement encapsulating the spirit of a leader who redefines the odds.”
The project launched with an initial supply of 200 million coins, with plans to issue an additional 800 million over the next three years, potentially bringing the coin’s total future value to an eye-watering $24 billion at current market rates.
From Crypto Critic to Crypto Champion
Trump’s foray into cryptocurrency marks a dramatic shift in his stance. Once a vocal critic of digital currencies, the president-elect embraced the sector during his 2024 campaign, pledging to loosen regulatory barriers and establish the US as a global hub for crypto innovation.
In October, Trump-linked businessmen launched World Liberty Financial, a cryptocurrency exchange platform that served as a precursor to this bold new venture.
Controversy Brews
While many investors rushed to buy into the $TRUMP frenzy, some expressed caution, raising concerns about the coin’s legitimacy and its actual ties to Trump. However, the fact that the launch was promoted on Trump’s verified social media accounts has helped dispel some fears of a potential scam.
Critics also questioned the broader purpose of $TRUMP beyond its meme status, noting its lack of tangible utility. Nevertheless, enthusiasts see the coin as an extension of Trump’s brand, with its value driven by cultural relevance and the polarizing figure at its center.
A Glimpse of What’s Next
As $TRUMP gains momentum, analysts are divided on its long-term prospects. Is it a passing fad or a strategic move that could reshape the meme coin market? For now, one thing is certain: Trump has once again found a way to dominate headlines and capture the world’s attention — this time, in the ever-evolving realm of cryptocurrency.