30.01.2025

How Trump’s Meme Coin $TRUMP is Shaking Up the Crypto Market

In a bold and divisive move, U.S. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump have further entered crypto with their own meme coins: $TRUMP and $MELANIA.

Launched just two days apart on Solana, $TRUMP went live on January 17th, followed by $MELANIA on the 19th — just days before Trump’s inauguration, adding a political edge to the market.

Market Performance

At the time of launching, the market’s response was swift and dramatic. Within hours, $TRUMP surged from $0.18 to $7.10, with trading volumes skyrocketing.

One trader reportedly turned a $1.1 million (R20.5 million) investment into $23 million (R430 million) within hours, as investors sold other cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum to buy Solana’s SOL, converting it into $TRUMP tokens.

One day later, $TRUMP token’s market value peaked at $15 billion (R281 billion) with a token price of $74.59, before declining to $29.80 where it stands at the time of writing.

As of now, $TRUMP has increased by +320% since its listing on Altify’s platform, significantly outperforming other major cryptocurrencies.

For context, XRP has risen by +55%, Solana by +25%, Bitcoin by +11%, the Altify Top 20 Market Crypto Bundle (T20M) by +8%, while Ethereum has seen a decline of -5%.

This surge makes Bitcoin’s still impressive 10 day return appear flat in comparison — a role reversal, as Bitcoin usually makes other assets look this way.

The Rise of $TRUMP and $MELANIA

These meme coin launches have ignited fierce debates over ethics, investment risks, and the evolving landscape of digital assets.

Meme coins are cryptocurrencies inspired by internet memes and culture, with their value driven primarily by social media hype and community engagement.

Unlike Bitcoin, Ethereum or Solana, which aim to offer technological innovations or solutions, meme coins thrive on community engagement and popularity, often lacking inherent utility. This makes them highly volatile and speculative investments.

Sean Sanders, a CFA Charterholder and CEO of Altify (FSP no. 53289) notes, “To put this into perspective, the $TRUMP meme coin has consistently generated more than three times the daily trading volume of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE), which averages $1.43 billion.

Despite being an extremely high-risk investment, it stands out as the first meme coin launched by a U.S. president — making it a fascinating case study at the intersection of politics, celebrity, and digital assets.

With Trump and the Republican Party leaning pro-crypto, some view $TRUMP as a proxy for his administration’s policies. If he delivers on promises to ease regulations, create a U.S. Bitcoin stockpile and integrate crypto into mainstream finance, $TRUMP may become more than just another speculative meme coin.

Scepticism around memecoins is nothing new. When Dogecoin launched in 2013 as a joke, many expected it to crash. Instead, it grew into the eighth-largest cryptocurrency, now worth $49 billion. Beyond its meme origins, Dogecoin is widely used for tipping, payments, and microtransactions, with lower fees and faster speeds than Bitcoin. Its rise, fuelled by community support and high-profile endorsements from the likes of Elon Musk, shows that memecoins can evolve into something bigger.

Each cryptocurrency is ultimately software that can be upgraded and adapted over time. The real question is whether Trump will deliver the regulatory and economic changes the market is anticipating.

If he does, and the crypto community continues to rally around $TRUMP, the token may prove to be more than just hype.

If he doesn’t, this meme coin could end up worthless.”

A Polarising Topic

The introduction of these meme coins has been highly divisive. Critics argue that the timing — just before Trump’s inauguration — raises ethical concerns.

Notably, 80% of the $TRUMP coin is controlled by Trump’s team, leading to accusations of potential centralised control and conflicts of interest. Observers have questioned whether this move prioritises personal gain over public duty.

On the other hand, supporters view these tokens as innovative ways to engage with supporters and capitalise on the burgeoning crypto market. They see the coins as symbols of community and support, rather than traditional investments.

In some ways, the $TRUMP token is a financial barometer for Trump’s influence, acting as a proxy for his success or failure. It could be an interesting exercise having more politicians having skin in the game.

Imagine if Cyril Ramaphosa had a token like this — one that fluctuated based on his leadership, economic policies, and public sentiment. A politician financially incentivised by a tradable asset could have a major incentive to drive positive outcomes, aligning their success with that of their supporters.

In a world where political decisions often feel detached from economic realities, could tokenised leadership be the next evolution of political accountability? Time will tell.

Navigating the Crypto Landscape With Altify

For those looking to explore these new digital assets, Altify, backed by JSE-listed Sabvest, offers a regulated, secure, and easy-to-use investment gateway.

Altify’s mobile app and web portal provides access to various alternative investments.

40+ cryptocurrencies – Including $TRUMP.

13 Crypto Bundles – Like a crypto ETF that auto-updates and diversifies you across the crypto market.

Gold – A time-tested store of value and hedge against market volatility

Private Credit – Offering an 11% USD yield with quarterly interest payments.

Proceed With Caution

Investors should be aware that the token price of $TRUMP can fluctuate significantly, carrying substantial investment risk. Daily price moves up and down can exceed 10% to 20% each day.

Since this is a new cryptocurrency, there is also a risk it could be delisted from regulated platforms like Altify in the future. Remember, Altify acts solely as a broker and assumes no responsibility for any loss incurred from $TRUMP token-related transactions. As with any investment, especially in the volatile world of crypto, due diligence and cautious consideration are paramount.


Risk Disclosure

Altify SA Capital (Pty) Ltd (FSP 52727) and Altify SA DAS (Pty) Ltd (FSP 53289) are both authorised financial services providers (FSPs).

This article is provided solely for informational purposes. The opinions expressed herein do not constitute investment advice or recommendations, nor should they be regarded as such. This document does not represent an offer to buy or sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell, any of the investments mentioned.

Altify operates as a brokerage service facilitating the reception and transmission of crypto asset orders, without providing investment advice or personalised recommendations. While Altify advocates for the broader accessibility of cryptocurrencies, they may not be suitable for every investor.

It is important to consider your investment goals, experience level, and seek independent financial advice where necessary. Altify strongly recommends conducting comprehensive research before investing in cryptocurrencies.

Investors are solely responsible for their own investment decisions. Considering the high volatility associated with cryptocurrencies, please evaluate your financial circumstances carefully before engaging in transactions. Cryptocurrencies carry a high risk, with potential for both significant gains and losses. Investing in cryptocurrencies may lead to a total loss of capital.

Past performance is not indicative of future results, and returns cannot be guaranteed as cryptocurrency values fluctuate based on market supply and demand. Do not invest more than you can afford to lose and seek professional guidance if you are unsure about the suitability of a cryptocurrency investment for your specific situation.

Please refer to the General Risk Disclosures and Crypto Risk Disclosures on Altify’s website for more information. Investments should only be undertaken by individuals who fully understand these risks.

For additional details, please click here to visit the Altify app.

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