Pro-Crypto Senator Questions Trump’s Memecoin Dinner While Backing Bitcoin Reserve Plan

enator Lummis Pushes Back on Trump’s Memecoin Perks Amid Growing Scrutiny

Wyoming Senator and long-time crypto advocate Cynthia Lummis has reportedly expressed unease over former President Donald Trump’s controversial offer of a private dinner and White House tour to top holders of his TRUMP memecoin. While continuing to support Trump’s broader crypto policies, Lummis drew a line at monetizing access to public office.

According to a May 2 report by CNBC, Lummis said that Trump’s memecoin reward program “gives [her] pause,” signaling discomfort with the ethical implications of offering exclusive access in exchange for crypto investments.

She wasn’t alone in her criticism. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) echoed the concern, telling NBC News:

“I don’t think it would be appropriate for me to charge people to come into the Capitol and take a tour.”

A Conflicted Stance on Crypto and Governance

Despite her concerns, Lummis reaffirmed her support for Trump’s broader pro-crypto stance. On May 2, she posted a video to X (formerly Twitter) praising Trump’s endorsement of the BITCOIN Act, which proposes the establishment of a U.S. strategic Bitcoin reserve.

The legislation, formally titled the Boosting Innovation, Technology, and Competitiveness through Optimized Investment Nationwide (BITCOIN) Act, would effectively codify a national crypto reserve policy through legislative backing — potentially making the U.S. the first nation to establish Bitcoin as part of its strategic economic framework.

“I was particularly pleased to hear President Trump’s support,” Lummis said during her speech on the Senate floor.

Ethics Concerns and Impeachment Talk Over TRUMP Coin

The TRUMP token, launched on January 17, has sparked bipartisan backlash since its debut. Critics argue that its structure opens the door for conflicts of interest and foreign influence, given that anyone globally can purchase the token and potentially gain access to Trump.

Further controversy erupted when, on April 23, Trump announced that the top holders of the token would be eligible to apply for a private White House dinner and tour, scheduled for May 22. The move raised red flags among watchdogs and lawmakers, with some labeling it as “pay-for-access” politics.

“Trump once claimed he is so rich he cannot be bought,” said Craig Holman, a government ethics expert at Public Citizen. “But his obsession with money means he apparently can be bought for a meme.”

On April 25, Senator Jon Ossoff (D-GA) called for Trump’s impeachment during a town hall meeting, describing the event as a direct sale of political access, likening memecoin investments to payments sent straight to the former president.

Who's Coming to Dinner?

At the time of writing, it remains unclear who will attend the May 22 dinner. The TRUMP coin leaderboard, which ranks holders by wallet address, has fueled speculation about high-profile attendees. Prominent crypto figures like Tron founder Justin Sun and Tesla CEO Elon Musk are rumored to be among the top holders, though no formal confirmations have been issued by the individuals or their respective companies.

With the dinner date approaching, all eyes are on how Trump — and Washington — will handle the evolving intersection of crypto culture, campaign finance, and government ethics.