On April 11, 2025, the cryptocurrency market is bracing for a significant event as the Trump Official Memecoin (TRUMP), launched by U.S. President Donald Trump, is set to unlock $320 million worth of tokens. This unlock, scheduled for April 18, represents 20% of the token’s total supply and comes at a challenging time for the memecoin, which has already plummeted 89% from its all-time high earlier this year. Here’s a deep dive into the implications of this unlock, the current state of the TRUMP token, and what investors should watch for in the volatile crypto market.
A High-Profile Launch Followed by a Steep Decline
Source: CoinGecko
The TRUMP memecoin made headlines when it debuted on the Solana blockchain in January 2025, shortly before Trump’s inauguration. Announced via Trump’s Truth Social and X accounts, the token—branded as the “official” memecoin of the President—saw explosive growth, reaching a market capitalization of nearly $15 billion within 48 hours, making it the fastest-growing memecoin in crypto history. At its peak, TRUMP hit $75.35, fueled by a massive FOMO wave and listings on major exchanges like Binance and Coinbase. However, the token’s value has since crashed, now trading at around $8—a staggering 89% drop from its high, according to CoinGecko data as of April 11, 2025.
The decline has been attributed to several factors, including market-wide corrections following Trump’s tariff policies, which triggered global financial instability, and the controversial launch of a second memecoin, MELANIA, by First Lady Melania Trump. The community criticized the move, accusing the Trump team of diluting TRUMP’s value for profit. Reports also indicate that 813,000 wallets have collectively lost nearly $2 billion since the token’s launch, highlighting the high risks of investing in memecoins tied to public figures.
The $320M Token Unlock: What It Means for TRUMP
The upcoming unlock of 40 million TRUMP tokens, worth $320 million, will raise the circulating supply by 20%. Most of these tokens are allocated to the Trump team, including CIC Digital LLC and Fight Fight Fight LLC, both linked to The Trump Organization. This single unlock makes up over 60% of the $519 million in total token unlocks set for next week. Other projects unlocking tokens include Fast Token ($80.6 million) and Arbitrum ($27.2 million).
Token unlocks often lead to increased selling pressure, as recipients may liquidate their holdings, potentially driving prices down further. For TRUMP, already down 89%, this event could exacerbate the token’s woes. Posts on X reflect a bearish sentiment, with users warning of a potential “bloodbath” for holders, especially given the token’s 180,000-holder drop since its peak. Some speculate that the Trump team’s unlock could be a “pump-and-dump” scheme, a common concern in the memecoin space where early insiders profit at the expense of retail investors.
Broader Implications for the Crypto Market
The TRUMP memecoin saga underscores the volatility and risks of memecoins, particularly those tied to high-profile figures. The token initially boosted Solana’s ecosystem. It pushed total value locked (TVL) to $12 billion. It also drove DEX trading volume to $23.7 billion in January 2025. However, it exposed several vulnerabilities. These included network congestion and liquidity issues. MoonPay, a key onramp for TRUMP, faced intense pressure during the launch. It had to borrow $160 million from Galaxy Digital and Ripple to maintain liquidity. This highlights how memecoins can strain crypto infrastructure.
Moreover, the TRUMP token has faced scrutiny beyond market dynamics. In February 2025, Public Citizen accused Trump of using the memecoin to receive illicit foreign donations. The claim raised ethical and legal concerns about the token acting as a “backdoor” for unregulated funding. After the allegations, the token’s price briefly rose 5.3% to $18.88. However, it has since continued to decline.
What’s Next for TRUMP Investors?
With the $320 million unlock looming, TRUMP investors face a critical juncture. The increased supply could further depress prices, especially in a risk-averse market still reeling from Trump’s tariff-driven economic policies. Investors should exercise caution, as memecoins are inherently speculative and prone to manipulation. Monitoring on-chain activity, market sentiment, and any statements from the Trump team will be crucial in the coming days.
