Trump launches $TRUMP memecoin three days before inauguration

Donald Trump launched the $TRUMP memecoin on January 17, 2025 — three days before his presidential inauguration — through entities he and his family controlled. Insider-controlled wallets retained approximately 80% of the token supply, and the coin's market cap surged past $14 billion within 48 hours, transferring over $100 million to Trump-affiliated entities from retail buyers. The launch directly preceded Trump taking presidential oath on January 20, raising immediate Foreign and Domestic Emoluments Clause questions about a sitting president profiting from a financial instrument marketed using his office.