Melania Trump Launches $Melania Cryptocurrency Ahead of Presidential Inauguration
Incoming First Lady Melania Trump has entered the cryptocurrency market with the launch of her own digital coin, $Melania, just ahead of her husband Donald Trump’s inauguration as U.S. president. The announcement follows the recent release of the $Trump cryptocurrency by President-elect Donald Trump, marking a significant foray into the crypto space by the Trump family.
$Melania Goes Live
On Sunday, Melania Trump announced the launch of $Melania on the social platform X, stating, “The Official Melania Meme is live! You can buy $Melania now.” The coin, created under her incorporated company MKT World LLC, joins the growing list of “meme coins” – cryptocurrencies often tied to viral internet trends or cultural moments. According to CoinMarketCap, $Melania has already achieved a market valuation of approximately $1.7 billion, while $Trump boasts a valuation of around $12 billion.
Volatile Trading and Disclaimers
Both $Trump and $Melania have experienced volatile trading since their launches. Disclaimers on their official websites clarify that the coins are “not intended to be, or the subject of” an investment opportunity or a security. Despite this, the coins have garnered significant attention, with $Melania surpassing the value of AI entrepreneur Sam Altman’s Worldcoin and entering the top 100 cryptocurrencies by market value.
Trump’s Crypto Evolution
Donald Trump, who once labeled cryptocurrency a “scam,” has shifted his stance during the 2024 election campaign, becoming the first presidential candidate to accept digital assets as donations. His campaign also saw the creation of World Liberty Financial, a cryptocurrency company aimed at challenging traditional financial institutions. The $Trump coin was launched through Trump Organization affiliate CIC Digital LLC, which previously sold crypto collectible NFTs in 2022. While these NFTs initially sold for over $1,000, their value has since plummeted to around $300, according to CoinGecko.
Crypto-Friendly Policies on the Horizon
Trump’s campaign promises included creating a strategic Bitcoin stockpile and appointing financial regulators with a more favorable stance toward digital assets. These pledges have fueled expectations of reduced regulations for the crypto industry under his administration. Following Trump’s election victory, Bitcoin surged to a record high of around $109,000 on Coinbase, reflecting growing optimism among crypto investors.
Crypto Ball and Meme Coin Mania
The Trump family’s crypto ventures have coincided with a broader surge in interest around meme coins, such as Dogecoin, which has been promoted by high-profile Trump supporter Elon Musk. Last week, incoming AI and crypto tsar David Sacks hosted a “Crypto Ball” in Washington, D.C., signaling the growing influence of digital assets in political and financial circles.
Regulatory Challenges Under Biden
Under President Joe Biden, U.S. regulators have taken a stricter approach to cryptocurrencies, citing concerns about fraud and money laundering. This has led to lawsuits against major crypto exchanges and increased scrutiny of the industry. However, the Trump family’s embrace of digital assets suggests a potential shift toward more crypto-friendly policies in the coming years.
A New Era for Crypto?
With the launch of $Melania and $Trump, the Trump family is positioning itself at the forefront of the cryptocurrency movement. While meme coins like $Melania are often seen as speculative, their rapid rise in value highlights the growing intersection of politics, pop culture, and digital finance. As the Trump administration prepares to take office, the crypto industry is watching closely to see how these developments will shape the future of digital assets in the U.S. and beyond.