Crypto Leaders Criticize Trump Memecoins, Call Them a Setback

New tokens from Donald and Melania Trump spark criticism over their impact on the credibility of digital assets.

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Controversy Surrounding Trump Memecoins

Donald Trump and his wife Melania launched separate memecoins over the weekend, sparking a wave of criticism from prominent figures in the cryptocurrency industry. The tokens, named “Trump” and “Melania,” reached billions in market value before experiencing volatility. The Trump token hit $15 billion at its peak but dropped below $8 billion after the Melania coin launch drew attention.

The divisive memecoin sector, known for its volatility and lack of intrinsic value, has often been criticized for undermining the legitimacy of the broader cryptocurrency industry. Leaders in the space have expressed frustration, seeing the Trump memecoins as a step backward for digital asset adoption.

Industry Reaction to the Memecoins

Prominent crypto executives voiced concerns about the potential long-term damage caused by the tokens. Rob Hadick, a general partner at Dragonfly Capital, described the launches as “a blight” that industry builders would need to address.

Balaji Srinivasan, a former CTO of Coinbase, likened memecoins to a “zero-sum lottery” where early buyers benefit at the expense of others. Meanwhile, Anthony Scaramucci, founder of SkyBridge Capital and former Trump communications director, criticized the timing of the launches, calling them a distraction from more meaningful policy developments.

Calls for Action and Credibility Concerns

Gabor Gurbacs, former director of digital-asset strategy at VanEck, took to social media to urge Trump to overhaul his crypto advisory team. Gurbacs warned that the memecoin launches had cost the presidency and the industry credibility, with further consequences likely to emerge.

Implications for the Industry

The memecoin controversy comes as Trump prepares to take office, with plans to prioritize cryptocurrency growth in the U.S. His administration is expected to announce executive orders promoting the sector, including measures to position the country as a global leader in digital assets.

While some in the industry remain optimistic about policy advancements, others worry that the memecoin drama undermines efforts to present cryptocurrency as a serious financial innovation. Caroline Mauron, co-founder of Orbit Markets, noted the unexpected nature of the launches and emphasized the need for a more conventional policy approach.

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