The cryptocurrency meme coins $TRUMP and $MELANIA, launched by President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump, have experienced significant price fluctuations. The $TRUMP coin, which reached a peak value of around $75, has fallen by over 50% to approximately $40, while the $MELANIA coin has also seen a substantial decline.
Meme coin is a cryptocurrency with no economic or transactional value often linked to internet personalities or trends such Dogecoin which was inspired by the image of a shiba inu dog. $TRUMP was launched by the then president-elect over the weekend days before he was sworn in Monday as the 47th president.
Experts have warned about the potential risks and conflicts of interest associated with the launch of these meme coins, particularly given President Trump’s plans to deregulate the crypto industry. Some have criticized the timing of the launch, just days before the inauguration, as potentially predatory and harmful to investors.
Non-bitcoin cryptocurrencies or 'shitcoins,' experts warn, could delegitimize the industry as a whole if governments don't intervene to establish clear regulations to protect investors and create a stable environment for companies.
The price of Bitcoin has surged in anticipation of a crypto-friendly Trump administration, currently at $105,000.