Latest news with #TrumpNational
Fox News
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Fox News
Bryson DeChambeau hits golf balls on White House South Lawn during visit with Trump
As a two-time U.S. Open champion who has earned north of $80 million on the golf course alone, Bryson DeChambeau has seen and done some pretty cool things. His recent trip to the White House to visit President Donald Trump was about as unique it gets. As the undisputed golf content king these days, DeChambeau managed to do something not many people throughout history have done: He hit golf balls off the South Lawn at the White House. White House Special Assistant Margo Martin shared a video of DeChambeau hitting a wedge onto the green of the South Lawn practice green, and he wasn't hitting short chip shots, he turned the property into a makeshift Par 3 course. DeChambeau, who has finished T-6 or better in five of the last six major championships, didn't only hit golf balls on the South Lawn during his stop in Washington D.C. He and President Trump made a stop at Trump National in Lowes Island, Virginia to hit some shots together as well, which is where Trump shared a quick joke about how long of a hitter he is. "We play golf a lot together, it's not a very pleasant experience for me because I always consider myself a reasonably long hitter," President Trump said. "My wife says, 'Are you as long as Bryson?' I say, 'Yeah sorta, pretty close - it's not close.'" DeChambeau is a long-time supporter of Trump, and he was even called on stage by the President during his victory speech back in November after he ran away with the presidential election. As the President noted, he and DeChambeau have played many rounds of golf together over the years. The President made an appearance on the LIV golfer's YouTube channel, where the duo teamed up to shoot 50. Following his U.S. Open win at Pinehurst in 2024, DeChambeau paid a visit to Trump National Golf Club in New York, hit some long drives, and drank some red wine
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Trump to host dinner for top holders of his crypto token – although many lost money with it
Donald Trump will host the top holders of his cryptocurrency at a gala tonight at his private golf club near Washington DC. Though the president has called the $Trump token 'The Greatest of them all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!', nearly half the gala's guests suffered losses from purchasing it, according to a Guardian analysis of their public cryptocurrency wallets. The attendees are winners of the US president's meme coin competition. Last month, Trump announced that the 220 crypto wallets with the largest holdings of $Trump between 23 April and 12 May would win a ticket to a private dinner at the Trump National golf club. The top 25 holders would also be invited to a 'Private VIP Reception' with the president beforehand. The news caused the coin to spike more than 50%. Buyers were ranked by their 'time-weighted' holdings, which reached 11.3m coins – worth approximately $148m in total as of 12 May. Snapping up the coin propelled entrants to the top of the leaderboard. However, the Guardian's analysis of crypto wallets on the Solana blockchain suggests that many have been burned along the way. Related: Top buyers of Trump-sponsored crypto win exclusive dinner with president Of the 220 winners, 95 – some 43% – have suffered a net loss from purchasing $Trump since the coin's January launch, a combined $8.95m, according to trading history and portfolios as of 21 May. A contestant under the username 'GAnt' appears to have endured the biggest losses. Despite placing fourth on the leaderboard, buying the tokens has led to a $1.06m shortfall. Similarly, user 'Meow' is down $621,000, despite achieving VIP status. This aligns with a broader trend: it's believed that 764,000 wallets – mostly belonging to small holders – have lost money on $Trump, according to data from the cryptocurrency and blockchain analysis firm Chainalysis. Meanwhile, just 58 wallets have made more than $10m each on their purchases of the coin, per Chainalysis. The cryptocurrency is trading 68% below its all-time high when it peaked the day before the president's inauguration. About 40% of the gala attendees own less than one $Trump token. Among them are buyers who purchased the coin during its initial days of hype and then dumped it when the price hit its zenith. User 'UVIL', for example, profited more than $7m from the president's coin, followed by 'boop' and 'Woo', both earning more than $2m, respectively, according to the Guardian's analysis. Dinner ticket winners shelled out between $55,000 and $37.7m to attend, with the price of one seat averaging out to $1m, according to data from the blockchain analytics company Nansen published by NBC. Attendees are thus not necessarily current owners of the Trump coins, but 'people who pumped and dumped them', said James Angel, a professor of financial regulation at Georgetown University. 'It just shows that, when you elect a clown, you get a circus.' The coin definitely benefits the Trump family business, and it's yet another way for [the president] to cash in on celebrity The Guardian's calculations assume transfers in and out of wallets were sales at market prices from the time, although this is not possible to prove for all transactions. The Trump administration is not directly involved in administering $Trump. However, the president may profit from token sales and trading fees. Trump-affiliated entities – notably CIC Digital LLC and Fight Fight Fight LLC – issued the coin and own 80% of its supply, which will be gradually unlocked throughout his term. These entities also made $320m in trading fees as of 6 May, according to data from Chainalysis, published by CNBC. The Trump Organization did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The president lauding high-risk and opaque assets coincides with a wider easing of financial regulation. Until recently, the Securities and Exchange Commission viewed most cryptocurrencies as securities, not commodities. However, under new leadership, the regulator issued guidance stating that meme coins are 'akin to collectibles' and thus 'neither meme coin purchasers nor holders are protected by the federal securities laws.' On that view, $Trump sales are not subject to the same disclosures required of stocks or bonds, nor would the president's affiliates be considered unregistered issuers of securities. Despite the SEC's view, experts say the unique conditions of this particular meme coin may justify securities classification regardless. Corey Fraye, the director of investor protection for the Consumer Federation of America, a non-profit, believes that $Trump could pass the Howey test – the legal framework used to determine whether a transaction qualifies as an investment contract under securities laws. 'The promotion of these tokens to a reasonable investor would create an expectation of profit related to this entire scheme that they think they're buying into,' says Fraye. Moreover, the fact that Trump-affiliated entities own the majority of the supply, combined with the president's influence over crypto policy, may expose the public to market manipulation and suggest a need for securities law protections, says Angel. The identities of possible attendees have also raised ethical concerns over the risk of pay-to-play policymaking. Topping the leaderboard is Justin Sun, a Chinese-born crypto billionaire who founded the Tron blockchain. Sun was charged in 2023 with market manipulation and offering unregistered securities, but the SEC dropped the case in February. Related: Trump's cryptocurrency endeavor caps a political career filled with conflicts of interest Companies with strategic policy incentives have also spent heavily to reach Trump. A cross-border logistics firm called Freight Technologies bought $20m worth of tokens, calling it 'an effective way to advocate for fair, balanced, and free trade between Mexico and the US', according to a statement. Adding to that is GD Culture Group, a small tech company that operates an e-commerce business on TikTok. GD, which has a Chinese subsidiary, announced announced a plan to purchase up to $300m worth of $Trump, the New York Times reported, but did not specify whether that spending had begun. 'The coin definitely benefits the Trump family business, and it's yet another way for [the president] to cash in on celebrity,' says Angel. 'But the real question is: is this in the best interest of the United States of America?' Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Time of India
15-05-2025
- Time of India
Trump club shooter reveals disturbing details about Diddy's freak off parties, says was hired for sex encounters
A former porn star who was involved in a shootout with cops after storming the lobby of the Trump National Golf Club is now back in the spotlight. He was identified in court on Wednesday as someone Sean "Diddy" Combs allegedly hired for sexual encounters multiple times in Miami, reports The New York Post. Jonathan Oddi was busted in 2018 after he was caught on camera carrying an American flag and raving about President Trump as he barged into the lobby of his golf resort. According to the report, after his arrest he had been kept as a "sex slave" by Sean Diddy Combs , video from his interview with police showed. Who is Jonathan Oddi? Oddi was identified on Wednesday in Manhattan federal court as one of 13 male escorts allegedly hired by music mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs for so-called "freak-offs" — sex parties described as drug- and baby oil-fueled, and involving multiple participants over several days. Cassie Ventura , Combs' ex-girlfriend, testified that she recognized Oddi from a photo shown by prosecutors, saying she had seen him in Miami. In total, 16 escorts have now been named in connection with the case. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Kidderminster: If You Were Born Between 1945-1974 You Could Be Eligible For This British Seniors Read More Undo ALSO READ: Jennifer Lopez to testify in Sean Diddy Combs' case? Here's why she might be the next witness Ventura described the events as orchestrated by Combs, and said she tried to avoid kissing participants because it felt "too intimate." However, she claimed Combs insisted that she do so. Live Events Oddi is currently incarcerated in Miami-Dade County, awaiting trial on unrelated charges including attempted felony murder of law enforcement officers, armed burglary, and armed grand theft. During an interrogation by Florida authorities, Oddi claimed he was used as a "sex slave" by Combs and Ventura. He stated in a recorded interview: 'I had sex with Cassie and Sean. Basically, he would masturbate and tell me what to do to Cassie. I had like 15 encounters, and I heard lots of business.' He also alleged that Combs had him sign a $5 million non-disclosure agreement to ensure his silence, and said he provided a video recording of his time with Combs and Ventura as part of a settlement. Oddi claimed Combs feared he would expose the details publicly. 'My settlement put me in a box. I couldn't talk because I was going to be sued. They kept following me,' Oddi told authorities, though it's unclear whom he meant by 'they.' ALSO READ: As Sean Diddy Combs' trial is underway, spotlight on why Jennifer Lopez was arrested while dating him Jonathan Oddi was paid $800 per session In a separate interview with NewsNation's Banfield, Oddi claimed he was paid about $800 for each session, totaling around 15 encounters. 'Sometimes he'd call me twice. Even three hours later, he'd call me to come back,' he said. He recalled first meeting Combs through an escort agency after the entertainer requested a show. Oddi was initially hired to dress as a police officer and perform a striptease, but claims the situation escalated when he was offered more money for additional acts. ALSO READ: Tom Cruise and Ana de Armas 'low-key romance' brewing? Truth behind their recent appearances revealed According to Oddi, Combs would often sit on a sofa, observing while giving instructions to Ventura. 'He'd tell her what to do to me... perform oral sex, rub baby oil, and tell me to do the same,' Oddi said. Authorities initially dismissed Oddi's statements at the time of his arrest. However, his claims have resurfaced amid the ongoing federal investigation into Combs, who is facing serious charges including sex trafficking and racketeering. Combs has pleaded not guilty. If convicted, he could face a life sentence.
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Business Standard
06-05-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Donald Trump mines millions from meme coin fans in access-for-tokens model
US President Donald Trump is diving headfirst into the cryptocurrency world, hosting two high-profile dinners this month aimed at leveraging both political donors and meme coin enthusiasts to raise millions — and strengthen his influence in the emerging crypto sector. The first event, held on May 5, is being billed as a 'Crypto & AI Innovators Dinner' and was hosted by MAGA Inc, the super PAC supporting Trump. The exclusive gathering comes with a hefty price tag of $1.5 million per plate, making it one of the priciest political fundraisers in recent history. David Sacks, a prominent tech investor and policy influencer who has played a key role in reshaping crypto and AI regulations in Washington, will be a special guest at the event. The crypto community has welcomed Sacks' growing sway, hailing the shift in regulatory policy under Trump-aligned appointees as a dramatic reversal from the Biden administration's approach. MAGA Inc is raising millions through these events, although how the funds will be spent remains unclear, especially since Trump is constitutionally barred from seeking a third term. Meme coin gala: Access through tokens, not dollars The second major event will take place on May 22 at Trump National, the president's private club near Washington, DC, and offers a novel approach to political access — bypassing traditional donations in favour of blockchain-based credentials. Also Read Entry to the black-tie-optional dinner is determined by holdings of the $TRUMP meme coin, a cryptocurrency launched earlier this year. The top 220 coin holders, according to a public leaderboard, will earn seats at the dinner, while the top 25 will receive invitations to a VIP reception and a special White House tour. 'Let the President know how many $TRUMP coins YOU own!' meme coin's website states. The contest runs through May 12. However, the fine print makes clear that Trump's attendance is not guaranteed. The terms say the event can be cancelled 'for any reason', in which case winners will receive a Trump NFT instead. Trading volume, not token price, drives profit The $TRUMP coin is at the heart of a complex, lucrative system. Although meme coins are often dismissed as jokes, Trump's version is proving to be a serious moneymaker. Since its January launch, it has generated more than $324 million in trading fees, according to blockchain analytics firm Chainalysis. The token surged over 50 per cent following the gala announcement, boosting the paper value of wallets controlled by insiders and early backers. Roughly 80 per cent of the token's supply is controlled by the Trump Organisation and affiliated entities, according to the project's website. 'You don't really care about what happens to the price. You only care that there is continuous volume,' said Nicolai Sondergaard, a research analyst at Nansen, as quoted by Associated Press. 'Because the more volume there is, that means more trades and therefore more fees for you.' Ethics and oversight concerns a watchdog group, slammed the contest as 'the most nakedly corrupt self-enrichment scheme in US presidential history'. They warned the setup could allow wealthy or even foreign actors to buy access to Trump while enriching his family through crypto activity. Due to the pseudonymous nature of crypto wallets, verifying who holds the top tokens is difficult unless they self-identify. As one example, crypto entrepreneur Justin Sun revealed he holds $75 million in another Trump-linked token, even as he negotiates a civil fraud resolution with the US SEC. Despite controversy, Trump's coin-backed political fundraising appears to be creating a new hybrid model of influence — where access to power is just a blockchain transaction away.
NBC News
05-05-2025
- Business
- NBC News
Trump set to raise millions from crypto and meme coin this month
President Donald Trump has two crypto -focused dinners on the calendar this month — one aimed at deep-pocketed political donors, the other at meme coin millionaires. Both are poised to help him rake in millions. The first event, a $1.5 million-per-plate fundraiser set for Monday, is among the priciest political fundraisers in recent memory. The second, on May 22, offers access to Trump's inner circle not for cash — but for holders of the $TRUMP token. Hosted by MAGA Inc., the 'Crypto & AI Innovators Dinner' on May 5 features special guest David Sacks — who has been helping to rewrite the country's crypto and artificial intelligence rules. The committee receiving the funds, MAGA Inc. is a super PAC that supports Trump, but the president is constitutionally barred from running for a third term. It's unclear how the PAC plans to spend the millions of dollars it is raising this spring at a series of dinners. The crypto community has cheered Sacks' growing influence in Washington, crediting him and other Trump-aligned appointees with a sweeping policy shift that's already delivered a spate of regulatory wins across multiple federal agencies — in what many industry executives are describing as a 180 pivot from President Joe Biden. The second gala dinner will be held at Trump National, the president's private club in the Washington, D.C., area, later this month. The guest list will be decided by a blockchain-based contest run by the creators of the $TRUMP meme token. Instead of cash, entry is based on how many tokens a user holds, with the top 220 promised dinner with Trump himself. The contest runs through May 12. The gala, which is black tie optional, offers a 'VIP White House Tour' and special reception to the meme coin's 25-biggest holders. The website hosts an active leaderboard displaying the usernames of the coin's top buyers. a center-left watchdog group that investigates corporate and political influence, described the leaderboard contest as 'the most nakedly corrupt self-enrichment scheme in U.S. presidential history,' warning it opens the door for wealthy donors — including potentially foreign actors — to buy access to the president, while personally enriching the Trump family. Because crypto wallets are pseudonymous, unless a holder has publicly disclosed their wallet address, it is difficult to independently confirm the identities of the top token holders currently leading the contest. In January, for example, crypto entrepreneur Justin Sun upped his token stake in another Trump-related crypto project. The Tron blockchain founder disclosed that he holds $75 million worth of World Liberty Financial's token. A court filing the following month showed that Sun and the Securities and Exchange Commission were exploring a resolution to the regulator's civil fraud case against the crypto entrepreneur. The fine print of the $TRUMP contest does not guarantee access to the president. According to the site's terms and conditions, Trump may not be able to attend and the event can be canceled 'for any reason.' In that case, they'll get a Trump NFT instead. Still, the contest has supercharged demand for the coin — and lined the pockets of its creators. The $TRUMP token surged more than 50% after the gala was announced, boosting the paper value of wallets controlled by insiders and early backers. Roughly 80% of the $TRUMP token supply is controlled by the Trump Organization and affiliates, according to the project's website. Since its launch in January, trading activity has generated more than $324 million in trading fees for insiders, Chainalysis found. These fees are generated through the token's built-in mechanism that routes a percentage of each trade to wallets controlled by the project — wallets that, according to the website, are linked to the coin's creators. at least another 90 days, according to the project's public disclosures.
