Trump Launches $TRUMP Memecoin Days Before Inauguration — 80% of Supply Controlled by Trump Entities

President-elect Donald Trump launches the $TRUMP memecoin on the Solana blockchain three days before his inauguration, in what ethics experts call an unprecedented conflict of interest. The token launches quietly before Trump announces it on Truth Social and X. 80% of the 1 billion maximum token supply is controlled by Trump-affiliated entities through CIC Digital LLC and Fight Fight Fight LLC, creating a mechanism for unlimited foreign and domestic payouts to the president. The coin reaches a peak market cap of $14 billion within 48 hours, with a token price of $75.26. Trump's wife Melania launches her own $MELANIA coin the next day. A Financial Times analysis finds the project nets at least $350 million from token sales and fees. In May 2025, the 220 biggest buyers are invited to an exclusive dinner at Trump National Golf Club, with the top 25 receiving a private session with Trump and a White House tour — prompting Democratic lawmakers to introduce bills banning presidents from owning crypto businesses. By July 2026, the token trades approximately 98% below its peak, with roughly 600,000 small investors losing an estimated $3.87 billion while large wallets profit close to $1.5 billion.