In a twist that blends cryptocurrency hype with political access, Donald Trump’s meme coin venture is generating millions — and offering loyal buyers a chance to dine with the former president himself.

$320 Million in Fees and Counting

Since its launch earlier this year, Trump’s meme coin has racked up over $320 million in transaction fees, according to blockchain firm Chainalysis. While meme coins are usually seen as internet jokes with no real value, Trump’s version is turning out to be anything but.

Now, it’s not just about digital tokens. Trump is offering a May 22 dinner invite to the top 220 coin holders, held at his Washington-area golf club. Even more exclusive: the top 25 holders will gain access to a private reception with the man himself.

The coin’s official site promotes the dinner with a bold message:
“Let the President know how many $TRUMP coins YOU own!”

How the Trumps Are Cashing In

While many assume profits in crypto come from selling high, Trump’s team is playing a different game — one that relies on trading volume, not price spikes.

The coin is traded on a decentralized exchange, using a liquidity pool — a crypto mechanism that pairs Trump’s meme coin with popular currencies like Ethereum. Every time someone makes a trade, a small fee is charged. These fees are split between CIC Digital (a Trump Organization affiliate) and another unnamed partner.

As Nicolai Søndergaard of analytics firm Nansen explained:

“You don’t really care about the price. You care that trading volume stays high — that’s what generates fees.”

After the May 22 dinner was announced, trading activity surged. In just one week, the Trump coin generated $1.3 million in fees, while the price jumped from $9 to $14. As of Monday, it was trading around $11.

Trump: “I’m Not Profiting”

Despite the numbers, Trump claims he’s not paying attention to the coin’s success.

In an interview on NBC’s Meet the Press, he brushed off concerns about profiting while campaigning:

“Should I contribute all of my real estate if it goes up because I’m doing a good job as president? I don’t think so.”

An ethics agreement limits Trump’s involvement in day-to-day operations at the Trump Organization and restricts what financial details he can receive. Still, 80% of the meme coins remain locked up, allocated to CIC Digital and its partner.

Memes, Watches, and Heavy Promotion

Trump’s team is pushing the campaign hard across social media. On X (formerly Twitter), the coin’s official account recently urged users to post memes, promising one lucky creator a dinner seat. The top four coin holders will also receive Trump-themed watches valued at $100,000 each.

High-Priced Access — and Hidden Attendees

On Monday, Trump hosted a closed-door fundraiser at his golf club — dubbed the Crypto & AI Innovators Dinner — with a jaw-dropping $1.5 million entry fee per guest. While it was sponsored by his MAGA Inc. super PAC, the attendee list remains private for now. Eventually, donor names must be disclosed by law, but meme coin buyers remain anonymous.

Unlike campaign contributions, crypto purchases don’t require public reporting — a detail that’s raising red flags.

Critics Warn of Influence by Anonymous Buyers

Some Democrats argue that the anonymity behind meme coin transactions opens the door for bad actors to gain influence without transparency. The coin’s website states that participants’ full legal names and contact information won’t be shown publicly. Instead, they appear under usernames on a leaderboard, which ranks holders by both quantity and duration of coin ownership.

Just below the 220-person cut-off? A motivational nudge from the site:
“You’re so close. FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT for your $TRUMP dinner.”

Bottom Line:
What started as a digital novelty has morphed into a fundraising engine and access ticket to one of the most polarizing figures in modern politics. Whether it’s crypto innovation or just another Trump hustle depends on who you ask — but for those holding $TRUMP coins, the dinner bell is ringing.

Source: AP News – Trump’s meme coin business racks up fees as buyers jump at the chance for access to the president

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Back in March, Russian President Vladimir Putin gifted Donald Trump a mystery portrait, sparking intrigue and speculation. The painting was delivered to Trump by his envoy, Steve Witkoff, who described it as a “beautiful portrait” by a “leading Russian artist.” Witkoff added that Trump was “clearly touched” by the gesture. However, the painting itself remained a mystery—until now.

In an exclusive reveal to CNN, the artist behind the Kremlin-commissioned artwork has shared the portrait, offering a unique glimpse into a piece of diplomatic history. The portrait, created by renowned Russian artist Nikas Safronov, depicts a dramatic moment from Trump’s 2024 campaign: the former president raising his fist on stage after surviving a failed assassination attempt at his Butler, Pennsylvania rally in July 2024.

For Safronov, it was crucial to capture Trump’s bravery in the face of danger. “It was important to show the blood, the scar, and his bravery during the attempt on his life,” Safronov explained. “He didn’t break down or become afraid but raised his arm to show he is one with America and will bring back what it deserves.”

The painting’s striking imagery, featuring Trump with blood splattered across his face as he clenches his fist, quickly became an emblem of strength in Trump’s campaign. The portrait, which was initially shrouded in secrecy, now stands as a powerful symbol of defiance and resilience.

Safronov, one of Russia’s most famous contemporary artists, is no stranger to painting portraits of world leaders. Over the years, he has painted global figures such as Pope Francis, Indian President Narendra Modi, and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. However, when he was approached to create a portrait of Trump, he initially had no idea who his “visitors” were.

“They didn’t reveal who they were at first,” Safronov shared. “As a prominent artist, there are clients who don’t go into details.” He later suspected that his mysterious clients were linked to the Kremlin. As the project unfolded, Safronov realized the significance of the commission.

“I thought this could bring our countries closer, so I decided not to charge any money because I suspected what this painting was for,” he said.

As Safronov continued working on the portrait, he was contacted by Putin himself. The Russian president emphasized the importance of the portrait as a gesture aimed at improving Russia’s relationship with the United States. While the Kremlin has yet to respond to a request for comment, Safronov confirmed that the portrait was intended as a diplomatic gesture.

Interestingly, this painting now shares a space with another significant piece of American history. The Trump portrait, which Safronov says was gifted to Trump by Putin, now hangs in the Grand Foyer of the White House—replacing the official portrait of former President Barack Obama.

The dramatic portrait of Trump raising his right fist, bloodied but undeterred, became a powerful visual emblem of his presidential campaign. It’s not just a painting; it’s a statement of survival and strength. The portrait’s significance goes beyond art; it’s a symbol of a larger political message, capturing a moment of defiance in the face of adversity.

As tensions between the U.S. and Russia continue to evolve, this unique portrait is a reminder of the power of art as a tool for diplomacy and the complex interplay of politics and culture on the world stage.

Source: CNN – Russian artist reveals mystery Trump portrait he says was gifted by Putin to the US President

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President Donald Trump has escalated his legal battle against CBS, doubling his lawsuit damages to $20 billion and adding Paramount Global as a defendant. The lawsuit, initially filed in October 2024, claims news distortion, election interference, and financial harm related to CBS’s editing of a “60 Minutes” interview with Vice President Kamala Harris.

Trump’s Allegations Against CBS

In an amended complaint filed on February 7 in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas, Trump’s legal team argues that CBS:

Edited Harris’s responses to make her appear more articulate.
Misrepresented her full statements by airing different portions on Face the Nation and 60 Minutes.
Diverted viewership from Trump’s media platform, Truth Social, reducing ad revenue.
Engaged in election interference, aiming to benefit Harris politically.

“It is beyond dispute that Defendants wanted Harris to win the Election,” the complaint reads. “Their primary motivation was commercial and pecuniary gain.”

The lawsuit accuses CBS of “gross broadcast distortion cover-up“, claiming the full, unedited interview—released later—revealed intentional manipulation of Harris’s remarks on Israel and the war in Gaza.

CBS Denies Allegations

CBS dismissed the lawsuit, calling the editing standard journalistic practice:

“The 60 Minutes broadcast was not doctored or deceitful,” CBS stated.
“We edited the interview to ensure Harris’s full answers were fairly represented.”

CBS also defended the decision to air a shorter portion of Harris’s answer on 60 Minutes, while a longer segment appeared on Face the Nation.

However, the full transcript showed that Harris’s statements were edited, combining two different responses into one polished answer. This led Trump to accuse CBS of election fraud and call for the network to lose its broadcasting license.

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Reopens Investigation

Coinciding with Trump’s lawsuit, the FCC has reopened an investigation into CBS for news distortion—a complaint initially dismissed in January but revived by new FCC Chairman Brendan Carr.

“CBS played the same question on two different programs, but the answers were different,” Carr stated in a Fox News interview.
“Was this for clarity and length—or something else?”

However, Democratic FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez criticized the move as politically motivated and an attempt to intimidate the media.

Legal and Political Ramifications

Trump’s legal team is now citing the Lanham Act, which covers false advertising and unfair competition, to justify the additional $10 billion in damages. They claim CBS’s manipulated coverage harmed Trump’s business interests, including Truth Social and TMTG.

The lawsuit also includes Rep. Ronny Jackson (R-Texas) as a plaintiff, arguing that he was misled as a consumer of broadcast news.

What’s Next?

CBS and Paramount have not yet responded to the amended complaint.
The lawsuit could set a major legal precedent regarding news editing and election coverage.
The FCC’s investigation may impact CBS’s broadcasting rights and future election coverage standards.

As the 2024 election approaches, this case could fuel further debate on media bias, free speech, and election integrity.

Stay tuned for updates as the legal battle unfolds.

Source

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TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — As Donald Trump prepares to return to the U.S. presidency, he faces a Middle East engulfed in unprecedented conflict and instability. Trump has pledged to restore peace, yet his strong support for Israel, combined with calls for a quick resolution in Gaza, and the influence of isolationist views within his own party, bring complex questions about how his leadership will impact this volatile region.

If cease-fires remain elusive, Trump will enter office as the war in Gaza rages on, with Israel continuing its offensives against Hezbollah in Lebanon. Tensions between Iran and Israel persist, along with Israel’s ongoing conflicts with Iranian-backed groups in Iraq and Yemen. Iran’s nuclear program remains a top concern for Israel, adding to the challenges Trump will face.

Trump’s Peace Promises: Vision or Vague Aspiration?

During his campaign, Trump committed to bringing peace to the Middle East. “Get it over with and let’s get back to peace and stop killing people,” he remarked about the Gaza conflict in an April interview.

The conflict escalated after Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, leading to the deaths of 1,200 Israelis and the abduction of 250 people, many of whom remain held in Gaza. In response, Israel’s offensive has resulted in over 43,000 deaths, according to Gaza health officials, who report that more than half of the casualties are women and children.

This conflict has created a humanitarian crisis in Gaza and increased Israel’s international isolation. Two international courts are investigating potential war crimes, and protests on U.S. campuses have sparked debates on America’s role as Israel’s primary military and diplomatic supporter.

Efforts by international mediators from the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar to secure a cease-fire have thus far been unsuccessful. Trump has encouraged Israel to “finish the job” and eliminate Hamas, though he has not clarified his strategy. This ambiguity raises questions. “Does ‘finish the job’ mean Israel has free rein to eliminate Hamas? Or does it mean the war should end now?” asks David Makovsky, an expert on Arab-Israel relations.

Netanyahu Hopes for Strong Backing from a Trump Administration

The uncertain nature of Trump’s approach also extends to his relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. During Trump’s first term, he openly supported Netanyahu’s policies, including withdrawing from an international deal intended to curb Iran’s nuclear ambitions, a deal Netanyahu opposed.

Trump’s recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and his approval of Israel’s claim to the Golan Heights strengthened Israel’s position. Additionally, his peace plan for Palestine was largely viewed as favoring Israel. Under Trump’s presidency, Israeli settlement construction in the West Bank, considered a significant obstacle to Palestinian statehood, surged.

One of Trump’s key achievements was securing agreements between Israel and four Arab nations to normalize relations, an accomplishment Netanyahu hopes to replicate with Saudi Arabia.

• “Donald Trump returns to the presidency with a vow to bring peace to the Middle East, but his strong stance on Israel and approach to regional conflicts present a complex path forward.”
• “With ongoing wars in Gaza, Lebanon, and tensions with Iran, Trump’s second term promises ambitious peace efforts in the Middle East, yet achieving stability won’t be straightforward.”
• “Amid escalating conflicts in Gaza and beyond, Trump faces a formidable challenge in fulfilling his promise of Middle East peace—raising questions about his strategy and approach.”
• “Trump’s pledge to resolve conflicts in the Middle East comes at a critical time, as Israel grapples with security threats and international isolation. What’s his plan for peace?”
• “As Trump re-enters office, the Middle East is embroiled in multiple conflicts. His commitment to a swift resolution raises hopes—and concerns about the path to peace.”

Source

Full Video

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Since August, the S&P 500 index, a key measure of U.S. stocks, has surged by over 10%. While the stock market doesn’t always reflect the overall economy, its performance leading up to elections has historically predicted the success of the incumbent party’s candidate. In the past 96 years, the S&P 500 has accurately forecasted the outcome of 20 out of 24 presidential races.

The prevailing theory is that a declining index suggests investor uncertainty about a new administration, while a rising index indicates confidence in the current party remaining in power. The recent climb in the S&P 500 could imply that Vice President Kamala Harris, who has taken over the Democratic ticket from President Joe Biden, is favored to win.

“The market is signaling a potential win for Harris,” said Adam Turnquist, chief technical strategist at LPL Financial. He noted that when investors feel more secure about the incumbent party’s chances, they become more comfortable with the policies they have implemented.

With the presidential race becoming increasingly competitive, voters are seeking clarity. This has led to increased interest in public opinion polls and betting markets, which currently lean toward Trump, alongside various indicators like sports outcomes and stock performance.

“People are naturally anxious about the election,” said Justin Grimmer, a public policy professor at Stanford University. “They look for ways to alleviate this anxiety.”

However, some experts on Wall Street are skeptical of the S&P 500’s ability to predict election outcomes. Monica Guerra, head of U.S. policy at Morgan Stanley Wealth Management, pointed out that the stock market is not a “crystal ball.” The index’s rise this year has largely been driven by gains from a few major tech companies and economic news rather than election factors. Trump himself often attributes the market’s successes to his potential return to power.

Historically, when the S&P 500 rises in the three months before an election, the incumbent party tends to win. In 2016, for example, the index fell 2.3% leading up to the election, indicating that a change in leadership was likely.

Despite its historical relevance, the S&P 500 is not infallible. In 2020, its performance suggested Trump was likely to win a second term, yet he lost to Biden. This year, many investors are still placing their bets on Trump.

Billionaire investor Stanley Druckenmiller noted on Bloomberg Television that “the inside of the market” is convinced Trump will win, citing trends in bank stocks, cryptocurrency prices, and the performance of Trump Media & Technology Group, which has seen a share price increase of over 200% since last month.

Other stocks poised to benefit from a Trump presidency are also rising. Morgan Stanley reported that a group of investment products tracking industries likely to gain from a Republican win has outperformed those aligned with Democratic interests by 10% this year.

The divided electorate and the close nature of the race contribute to conflicting indicators, Guerra explained. “This is a true toss-up,” she said.

Karoline Leavitt, the Trump campaign’s national press secretary, stated that the former president “continues to dominate in poll after poll.” She highlighted significant gains in Republican voter registration and early voting in key battleground states. “Voters know that Kamala Harris has destroyed our country, but President Trump will fix it — and that is why he is well-positioned for victory on November 5,” Leavitt said.

In contrast, spokespeople for the Harris campaign did not provide a comment.

Reena Aggarwal, a finance professor at Georgetown University, expressed skepticism regarding the stock market’s relevance today. She noted that the market no longer accurately represents the broader economy, as its gains are increasingly driven by a few large tech companies. There are also more major private companies not listed on stock exchanges.

Historically, the market was more representative of the economy, dominated by large industrial and energy firms. “There’s a disconnect between the market and the broader economy,” Aggarwal said.

Grimmer believes that while historical correlations between economic indicators and election outcomes matter, they have limitations. With voter opinions on the economy fragmented, the stock market may not be the best indicator of who will win.

“You can only rely on history so much,” he concluded. “We’ll just have to wait and see. It’s a coin flip.”

Source

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Donald Trump’s recent rally at Madison Square Garden in New York City saw a series of inflammatory remarks targeting Democratic leaders, Puerto Rico, and migrants. Several local supporters, speaking before Trump, voiced grievances against some of the former president’s frequent political targets. One speaker, a former Republican congressional candidate, labeled Vice President Kamala Harris as “the antichrist.”

The event opened with comedian Tony Hinchcliffe making derogatory comments about Puerto Rico, despite New York City having the largest population of Puerto Ricans in the mainland United States. “There’s a floating island of garbage in the ocean,” he joked. “I think it’s called Puerto Rico.” The remark was met with laughter and applause from Trump supporters in the audience.

Harris’ team quickly responded, posting a video of Hinchcliffe’s comments on social media. Harris herself visited a Puerto Rican restaurant in Philadelphia the same day, discussing her plans to support Puerto Rican communities in the U.S. and address the island’s needs. Popular musician Bad Bunny, a prominent voice for Puerto Rican issues, shared Harris’ remarks with his 45 million Instagram followers, amplifying her response.

Florida Senator Rick Scott, whose political success relies on Puerto Rican support, condemned the joke, tweeting, “It’s not funny and it’s not true. Puerto Ricans are amazing people and amazing Americans.” Hinchcliffe later defended himself on social media, insisting he intended his remarks as humor and claimed he had affection for Puerto Rico.

Other speakers at the rally included radio host Sid Rosenberg, who harshly criticized Hillary Clinton, calling her “a sick son of a b*tch,” and directed frustration toward New York City’s assistance to migrants. “Homeless veterans are left on benches in Central Park, while illegals get everything they want,” Rosenberg claimed, adding to the event’s focus on criticizing immigration policies.

The rally underscored the tensions and polarized perspectives leading up to the upcoming election, with Trump and his supporters invoking provocative language against political opponents and migrants.

Source

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A look at how Donald Trump‘s media strategy, particularly through podcasts, contrasts with Kamala Harris’s approach, impacting their polling positions and voter engagement.

One of the most surprising aspects of Donald Trump’s recent interview with Joe Rogan is that it hadn’t happened sooner. Throughout the 2024 election cycle, the former president has been engaging with various podcasters, primarily aiming to connect with young men in pursuit of the “Bro vote.”

This strategy is guided by Jason Miller, a key advisor to Trump, who explained the campaign’s approach during his appearance on the Playbook Deep Dive podcast. Having worked with Trump since 2016, Miller is well-acquainted with the campaign’s tactics and is open to discussing Trump’s more controversial remarks.

The shift towards alternative media is part of a broader effort to reshape Trump’s public image, and recent polling indicates this strategy is working.

When it comes to choosing which podcasts Trump appears on, Miller emphasized that it’s a collaborative effort. Notably, Barron Trump, the former president’s 18-year-old son, has played a significant role in this process. “Hats off to the young man,” Miller remarked. “Every recommendation he’s made has resulted in ratings gold and broken the Internet.”

Miller noted that the campaign has been leveraging long-form podcasts, which often stray from political topics, allowing Trump to talk about sports, family, and personal challenges. “This strategy differs greatly from what we typically see from politicians,” he explained.

Addressing the campaign’s media strategy, Miller pointed out that while podcasts are a focus, traditional media hasn’t been neglected. A recent Wall Street Journal study found that Trump has given two to two-and-a-half times more interviews with mainstream media than Vice President Kamala Harris since she became the nominee.

This shift towards podcasts reflects a growing trend where voters consume news outside traditional outlets. Miller emphasized that many Americans prefer social media and podcasts for their news, making it crucial to reach them where they are. The campaign is also engaging with financial and entrepreneurial podcasts, not just entertainment ones.

Reflecting on the 2020 campaign, Miller acknowledged that logistical constraints, including heightened security and the COVID-19 pandemic, limited Trump’s ability to participate in unscripted events, which were a hallmark of his 2016 campaign. Now, with fewer restrictions, the campaign has embraced this format again.

From the outset, the campaign aimed to emphasize Trump’s human side—his celebrity status, family roles, and relatable qualities. This strategy was evident in early campaign events, such as a visit to an ice cream and burger joint in South Carolina, which generated considerable online buzz.

Miller highlighted that podcast selection is a group effort, with Barron frequently suggesting appearances that have proven to be highly effective. The approach is dynamic, allowing Trump to adapt his style based on the podcast host and format.

As Trump engages with various podcast hosts, he has become more animated and relatable, moving away from his typical rally-style approach. Miller attributes this change to the chemistry with hosts and the format of the interviews rather than any formal coaching.

Miller stated, “President Trump is going to be President Trump,” emphasizing that Trump’s authenticity remains unchanged. He also noted that recent interviews, where Trump discussed personal topics like addiction, have added a relatable touch to his public persona.

While some Republicans suggest that Trump should speak less, the campaign embraces increased engagement. Miller believes this strategy is effective, as Trump’s media presence generates significant interest.

Discussing the impact of nontraditional media on polling, Miller acknowledged its role in helping Trump catch up to Harris. He highlighted Trump’s focus on key issues like the economy and immigration as pivotal in shaping public perception.

In response to criticism of Harris’s media appearances, Miller argued that her recent attempts have backfired, especially her visit to the border, which only highlighted her immigration record.

Looking ahead to the upcoming election, Miller believes the race will be tight but feels optimistic about Trump’s position compared to previous campaigns. He stressed the importance of remaining vigilant and noted the campaign is prepared for any last-minute surprises.

Regarding recent comments by Trump’s former chief of staff, John Kelly, accusing Trump of making inappropriate remarks about wounded soldiers, Miller dismissed these claims as baseless and politically motivated. He expressed trust in those who were present during such discussions, labeling Kelly’s narrative as “total bullshit.”

When asked about the potential impact of critical figures like Liz Cheney campaigning for Harris, Miller expressed confidence that this wouldn’t negatively affect Trump. He believes Cheney’s involvement could further alienate key voters.

Finally, addressing concerns about the abortion issue affecting Trump’s support among women, Miller stated that the campaign recognizes the importance of engaging independent male voters, a crucial demographic for swing elections.

Source

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