The world of cryptocurrency witnessed a new entrant with the launch of the $MELANIA coin by Melania Trump, wife of the 47th President of the United States, Donald Trump. Announced on January 20, 2025, the same day her husband was sworn in for his second term, $MELANIA joined the fast-growing trend of meme-based cryptocurrencies. Despite the controversies surrounding its launch, the coin quickly gained traction in the market, captivating investors and sparking debates about its purpose, value, and implications.
I’m selling all my stocks Monday so I can go all in $MELANIA coin
I will be so large and deep in Melania it will be absurd. Let’s double up this $3mil to $6mil real quick
I’m sure it can’t go bad right? pic.twitter.com/VQvbN3x6PX
— Jeremy Lefebvre (@HolySmokas) January 20, 2025
Meme coins, known for their association with internet trends and cultural movements, often lack intrinsic value and are characterized by their volatile nature. $MELANIA fits squarely into this category. Its debut was marked by major market activity, achieving both remarkable gains and subsequent corrections in a short span. While supporters view it as a celebration of Melania Trump’s persona and a symbolic representation of the administration’s pro-crypto stance, critics have raised concerns about its legitimacy and ethical implications.
$MELANIA IS GOING BACK TO $10 🚀
Theory: There are nearly 0 spot trading pairs which means exchanges have to buy off the market to list the coin
Binance, Bybit & Coinbase all have to buy to provide liquidity to customers
They will all list the coin so it’s a good time to buy! pic.twitter.com/ldOu749sv0
— That Martini Guy ₿ (@MartiniGuyYT) January 21, 2025
On January 20, Melania Trump announced the launch of $MELANIA via her social media platform. Her post read, “The Official Melania Meme is live! You can buy $MELANIA now.” The cryptocurrency, based on the Solana blockchain, was introduced as the first and only “Official Melania Meme.” Its debut coincided with Donald Trump’s inauguration as president, further cementing its association with the new administration.
The launch day was marked by impressive market performance. Initially priced at $7.41, $MELANIA surged to an all-time high of $13.64 before stabilizing. As of January 20, it traded at $7.72, reflecting a 5.4% increase. The coin’s market capitalization peaked at $2.21 billion before retreating to $1.47 billion, while 192.21 million tokens were reported to be in circulation out of a total supply cap of 1 billion. Trading volumes also demonstrated big investor interest, reaching $5.9 billion within 24 hours.
According to the official website, $MELANIA was designed as an expression of support for the Trump administration and the values embodied by Melania Trump. However, it comes with a disclaimer stating that it is not a financial instrument or investment vehicle. Instead, it is positioned as a collectible and a source of entertainment. The website emphasizes that users should “always do your own research and never invest more than you can afford to lose.”
Melania’s venture into cryptocurrency aligns with her husband’s pro-crypto messaging during his presidential campaign. The administration has signaled a more favorable regulatory environment for digital assets, contrasting with the stricter approach taken by the previous administration. This political backdrop adds another layer of importance to $MELANIA’s launch.
Market Volatility and Investor Reactions
Despite its initial success, $MELANIA has not been immune to the inherent volatility of the crypto market. The coin experienced sharp fluctuations in value, reflecting both the speculative nature of meme coins and the uncertainty surrounding its long-term prospects. While some early investors profited significantly, others cautioned against the risks of investing in a highly volatile and unregulated asset.
The timing of $MELANIA’s launch, coinciding with the introduction of Donald Trump’s $TRUMP coin, further fueled discussions about potential conflicts of interest and the ethical considerations of public figures promoting cryptocurrencies. Critics argue that the Trumps’ involvement in such ventures blurs the line between personal business and public office, raising questions about transparency and accountability.
JUST IN: Dave Portnoy reveals he bought $500K of Melania Trump’s meme coin $MELANI 😂 pic.twitter.com/5Wlaco81ga
— BlockNews (@blocknewsdotcom) January 20, 2025
The launch of $MELANIA and its counterpart, $TRUMP, reflects a broader trend of meme coins gaining popularity as a form of digital expression. These coins often serve as barometers of retail investor sentiment and risk appetite, with surging values indicating increased participation in the crypto market. However, their speculative nature also makes them susceptible to rapid price swings and potential market manipulation.
The Trump administration’s approach to cryptocurrency regulation will likely play a major role in shaping the future of $MELANIA and similar assets. Key appointments, such as pro-crypto advocates in regulatory positions, suggest a more lenient stance towards digital currencies. This shift has already contributed to a resurgence in investor confidence, as evidenced by Bitcoin crossing the $100,000 mark for the first time following Trump’s election victory.
In a bizarre development, after the launch of Trump Memecoin Melania Trump launched her own Melania Memecoin.#Trumpcoin #melaniacoin #ElonMusk pic.twitter.com/jyOXG4jzZa
— Satish Acharya (@satishacharya) January 20, 2025
The introduction of $MELANIA has not been without controversy. Critics have raised concerns about the potential misuse of the cryptocurrency for political or personal gain. The concentrated ownership structure, with a huge portion of the coin supply held by entities linked to the Trump family, has also drawn scrutiny. Additionally, the lack of regulatory oversight and the speculative nature of meme coins underscore the need for caution among investors.
