Ahead of Trump’s oath, $TRUMP and $MELANIA meme coins shake up crypto world

In a move that has the cryptocurrency world buzzing, President-elect Donald Trump and incoming First Lady Melania Trump have entered the crypto arena with their meme-based tokens, $TRUMP and $MELANIA.

Launched just days before Trump’s January 20 inauguration, these coins have captivated the financial and marketing worlds with their meteoric rise and subsequent impact.

On January 17, 2025, Donald Trump unveiled $TRUMP, a cryptocurrency branded as the "only official Trump meme." The coin, launched on the Solana blockchain, saw an unprecedented surge, skyrocketing by over 300 per cent within 24 hours of its debut. Within days, $TRUMP achieved a market valuation of nearly $13 billion, entering the top 20 cryptocurrencies globally.

With its cartoon logo of Trump raising a victorious fist, the coin was initially dismissed as a gimmick. However, confirmation from Trump’s social media accounts legitimized the project and spurred investor enthusiasm. Despite its rapid ascent, the token’s purpose remains symbolic, with its website emphasising it as a token of support rather than an investment vehicle.

Not one to stay in the background, Melania Trump launched her own cryptocurrency, $MELANIA, on January 19. The launch caused a ripple effect in the market, leading to a sharp dip in $TRUMP’s price, which fell by over 50% before stabilising. Meanwhile, $MELANIA quickly rose to prominence, matching $TRUMP’s peak market capitalisation of $13 billion within hours of its launch.

Promoted as a Solana-based token of goodwill, $MELANIA has been equally controversial and impactful. The First Lady’s entry into the crypto world further underscores the growing trend of leveraging personal branding in blockchain-based ventures. The simultaneous rise of $TRUMP and $MELANIA highlights the power of celebrity branding and the viral potential of meme coins. Both tokens are marketed as expressions of support rather than investment opportunities, yet they’ve captured the imagination of crypto speculators and fans alike.

The tokens also spotlight the risks inherent in the meme coin market, which is notorious for its volatility and speculative nature. Critics have raised ethical concerns, questioning the propriety of profiting from political office via financial instruments. These meme coins aren’t just financial tools—they’re marketing masterstrokes. By intertwining political clout with blockchain technology, the Trumps are not only cashing in on the crypto craze but also reshaping how public figures engage with their audiences.

As $TRUMP trades at around $1.74, down 36.26% from its peak, and $MELANIA holds steady as a top meme coin, the message is clear: love them or hate them, the Trumps are redefining what it means to build a brand in the 21st century.