U.S. President Donald Trump’s interest in the crypto industry is increasing, with TRUMP and MELANIA tokens taking the financial spotlight. Despite poor price performance in recent days, both tokens are making headlines. It is becoming increasingly crucial in Trump’s political strategy, fundraising efforts, and an unfolding trading controversy with regulators and lawmakers on alert.
The official TRUMP token has fallen by 21% over the past week, lower than the crypto market, which was down by 0.7%. On the other hand, the MELANIA token, linked to the US first lady, declined by over 26% within the same period. Nevertheless, President Trump continues to advocate for cryptocurrency adoption despite these significant challenges.
Trump Crypto Fundraising Strategy
The crypto industry is gaining influence in US politics as Trump is set to host two crypto-related dinners. One of them is the “Crypto & AI Innovators Dinner,” which will be hosted by MAGA Inc. Notably, it will cost $1.5 million per plate and feature key figures like venture capitalist David Sacks.
According to insiders, these events are expected to generate millions in campaign funding. For Trump, who once criticized cryptocurrency, this shift is an important development for the industry.
READ MORE: PancakeSwap (CAKE) Prepares for Breakout After 3-Month Slide
Despite the fanfare surrounding this new development, it has also faced criticism. Just minutes before Melania Trump publicly unveiled the MELANIA token on January 19, some suspicious trades occurred. According to a Financial Times investigation, two dozen digital wallets purchased large quantities of MELANIA tokens within 2.5 minutes before the announcement. They earned a collective profit of $99.6 million.
The timing and scale of these MELANIA token trades have led to calls for an investigation. Many are questioning whether insider information was used for such profit. However, while no direct links with the first lady have been confirmed, the situation is creating political tension.
Representative Maxine Waters and many other Democratic lawmakers staged a walkout from a joint crypto hearing.
Continuous Links Between Crypto and Politics
After the recent US presidential elections, crypto has become more than a financial asset. It is becoming part of politics, especially in the United States. Already, Trump is betting heavily on blockchain support. Hence, the performance of the TRUMP and MELANIA tokens will serve as a litmus test for his strategy.
Despite their current decline in price, these meme coins are gradually moving beyond hype and speculation. They have now become part of the political and regulatory drama in the US. With insider trading allegations and criticism, TRUMP and MELANIA might play a role in shaping American politics.
While Trump and Melania dominate political headlines, another meme project is garnering attention. CartelFi and its presale token are blending crypto anarchy with viral humor, demonstrating that even in a market tied to politics, the wild spirit of meme coins lives on. Will CartelFi be the next big thing or another wild bet in the crypto space?
Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post provided by a third party. The views, information, and claims presented do not represent those of Bankless Times. Bankless Times has not independently verified the accuracy of this content. Readers should conduct their own research before taking any action based on this information. This post does not constitute financial advice or recommendation and should not be treated as such.
CartelFi
CartelFi (CARTFI) combines meme coins with DeFi to convert unused tokens into income-generating assets. Its specialized liquidity pools offer elevated APYs, sometimes up to 1000%. CartelFi does this by preserving the potential for meme coins to appreciate. The protocol finances itself by charging fees to buy back and burn CARTFI tokens. This leads to deflation, which fuels price appreciation.
Since its presale in April 2025, CartelFi has raised more than $1.5 million. The price of CARTFI increases consistently every 3 days. The platform allows users to stake popular meme coins like DOGE and PEPE, presenting an alternative to liquidating assets for generating passive income. CartelFi’s unique blend of meme culture and DeFi mechanics distinguishes it in the current market.
