From Rolling Stone · Sean Wilentz · · 3m
Trump's Crypto Dinner and the Mob Boss Presidency
Trump hosts crypto elite at private club as corruption scales globally.
In brief
Trump hosts crypto elite at private club as corruption scales globally. Trump's second presidency sees unprecedented blending of presidential power and private financial interests through cryptocurrency, foreign deals, and pardons. Originally reported by Rolling Stone.
Trump's Crypto Dinner
On May 22, 2025, Trump landed at Trump National Golf Club Washington, D.C. after Marine One lifted off from the White House.
Over 200 Crypto Guests
More than 200 guests qualified by buying $TRUMP cryptocurrency, including Justin Sun with $18.5 million in holdings.
Protesters Outside
Over 100 protesters held signs reading 'Stop Trump's Crypto Corruption', 'America Is Not for Sale', and 'Release the Guest List'.
Trump's Speech
Trump praised cryptocurrency and announced his administration would open American financial institutions to Bitcoin and crypto.
Exclusive Crypto Invitation
GetTrumpMemes.com offered the most exclusive invitation in the world, with top 220 qualifying for dinner with Trump.
Justin Sun's Connection
Justin Sun, a China-born crypto billionaire, committed $75 million to World Liberty Financial, Trump's cryptocurrency venture.
SEC Case Resolution
In March 2026, the SEC dismissed all claims against Sun personally after a $10 million settlement with a Sun-affiliated company.
Historical Corruption
Presidents like Nixon and Spiro Agnew faced corruption, but Trump's system blends financial and political power on a global scale.
Trump's Political Roots
Fred Trump cultivated Brooklyn Democratic politics, giving money and making friends with officials who could be useful to developers.
Meade Esposito's Influence
Meade Esposito, a cigar-smoking party boss, ruled with an iron fist and had longstanding connections to organized crime.
Roy Cohn's Tactics
Roy Cohn countered a federal lawsuit against the Trumps by suing the government for $100 million, becoming Trump's own strategy.
Trump's First Term
Trump retained ownership of the Trump Organization while turning management over to his sons during his first term.
Second Term Expansion
Trump's second term saw expanded foreign deals, cryptocurrency ventures, and increased government influence over private interests.
UAE Investment
An Abu Dhabi investment company paid $500 million for a 49 percent stake in World Liberty Financial, with $187 million going to Trump family entities.
Binance Deal
MGX, an Emirati investment firm, announced a $2 billion investment in Binance using USD1, the new stablecoin issued by World Liberty Financial.
Meta Settlement
Meta agreed to pay $25 million to settle a lawsuit Trump brought after Facebook suspended his account following Jan. 6.
Paramount Deal
Paramount agreed to a $16 million settlement of Trump's lawsuit over CBS editing a 60 Minutes interview with Kamala Harris.
Inaugural Committee
Trump's second inaugural committee raised more than $245 million, more than twice the previous record, from corporations and wealthy individuals.
Executive Orders
Trump issued executive orders against Paul, Weiss, and Rifkind, requiring changes in policies and $40 million in free legal services.
University Pardons
Columbia University agreed to pay $200 million after Trump canceled federal grants, while Harvard chose to fight in court.
What matters most
Trump's second presidency sees unprecedented blending of presidential power and private financial interests through cryptocurrency, foreign deals, and pardons.
