- Trump’s support for the 1M BTC reserve bill highlights his shifting stance on crypto despite ethical concerns surrounding his memecoin.
- The BITCOIN Act signals a major push for U.S. crypto dominance while Trump’s TRUMP token invites scrutiny over political monetization.
- Lummis backs Trump’s strategic Bitcoin initiative yet voices concern over the ethics of offering White House access to token holders.
Senator Cynthia Lummis revealed that former President Donald Trump supports her bill to establish a U.S. Strategic Bitcoin Reserve. The BITCOIN Act proposes purchasing 1 million BTC to secure national crypto competitiveness. However, this endorsement comes amid rising backlash over Trump’s TRUMP memecoin, which offers top holders exclusive access to the White House.
Trump launched the TRUMP token on January 17, prompting immediate concern across political and crypto circles. The memecoin’s perks included dinner and a private White House tour for top holders. Consequently, critics accused Trump of monetizing political access and risking conflicts of interest. Moreover, some feared the token could allow foreign influence through crypto donations.
Republican Rift Over Memecoin Ethics
Notably, Senator Lummis herself expressed reservations about the memecoin’s implications. She told CNBC the move “gives her pause,” despite backing the Bitcoin reserve bill. Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski echoed similar concerns. She questioned whether charging for Capitol tours would ever be acceptable under congressional ethics.
Besides, critics pointed out that Trump’s actions blur lines between personal gain and public service. Georgia Senator Jon Ossoff even called for Trump’s impeachment, alleging “selling access” through the token. During a recent town hall, Ossoff emphasized how the memecoin creates channels for indirect payments to the former president.
Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Gains Momentum
Despite the controversy, Trump’s support for Lummis’ BITCOIN Act carries weight. The proposed legislation would create a national crypto reserve through a structured acquisition of 1 million BTC. Significantly, this initiative aligns with growing U.S. interest in decentralized assets to counter global monetary threats.
Lummis emphasized the bill as a national investment strategy to maintain innovation and competitiveness. The BITCOIN Act, if passed, would solidify crypto as part of America’s long-term financial infrastructure. Hence, it could position the United States as a leader in sovereign digital asset holdings.
Additionally, speculation remains over which TRUMP holders may attend the May 22 dinner with Trump. Social media hints suggest Elon Musk and Justin Sun as possible guests, though neither confirmed their attendance. The unfolding situation illustrates the thin line between crypto activism and political influence.
