Summary
Donald Trump faced backlash after launching the $TRUMP cryptocurrency meme coin, valued at billions, days before his inauguration.
Experts, including former ethics officials, called it a major conflict of interest, as Trump has pledged pro-crypto policies while profiting personally.
First Lady Melania also launched her own coin, $MELANIA.
Critics warn the coins, which lack intrinsic value and are highly volatile, could lead to lawsuits and public losses.
Ethics experts described the move as one of the worst conflicts of interest in modern U.S. presidential history.
I don’t have a problem with people launching meme coins for fun. They’re consenting adults, if they want to risk thousands of dollars on a meme, that’s their choice. But an elected official who has the power to pass laws regulating cryptocurrency doing it? Yikes.