The $TRUMP meme coin, a Solana-based token launched by President Donald Trump in January 2025, has experienced a dramatic 89% decline from its all-time high of $75.35 on January 19, 2025, now trading at around $8.63 as of September 1, 2025. This plunge, which saw the coin drop nearly two-thirds from its inauguration-day peak, has wiped out billions in market value and left small traders nursing heavy losses, while entities tied to Trump reportedly pocketed up to $100 million in trading fees. For crypto investors, political finance watchers, and meme coin enthusiasts searching Trump meme coin down 89%, $TRUMP price crash 2025, or Trump coin trading fees, the token’s volatile trajectory—from a $14.5 billion market cap peak to under $1 billion—exemplifies the high-risk nature of politicized meme coins, amplified by Trump’s endorsement and a private dinner for top holders. Despite the downturn, $TRUMP retains a market cap of around $1 billion, buoyed by ongoing hype, but analysts warn of further declines amid regulatory scrutiny and fading novelty. Melania Trump’s $MELANIA coin has followed a similar path, down 98% from its $8.50 high, highlighting the speculative frenzy around Trump-linked assets.
The coin’s rapid rise and fall, from $1.21 low to $75.35 high within days, has drawn criticism from economists like Peter Schiff, who warned it exemplifies how more Americans will lose money in crypto due to hype-driven manias.
$TRUMP’s Volatile Journey: From $75 Peak to 89% Crash
Launched on January 17, 2025, $TRUMP exploded to a $14.5 billion market cap by January 19, fueled by Trump’s inauguration buzz and a contest for top holders to dine with him at his Virginia golf club. The token, owned 80% by Trump-linked entities like CIC Digital and Fight Fight Fight (with gradual releases over three years), generated $86-100 million in trading fees by January 30, per blockchain analysts Merkle Science and Chainalysis. However, the post-inauguration slump—down 70% from its $28.72 January open and 89% from peak—left small traders with losses, as whales offloaded holdings after the spike.
| Date | Price | Market Cap ($B) | Key Event |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 17, 2025 | $1.21 | N/A | Launch |
| Jan 19, 2025 | $75.35 | 14.5 | Peak (Inauguration) |
| Jan 20, 2025 | $28.72 | N/A | Post-Peak Drop |
| Sep 1, 2025 | $8.63 | ~1 | 89% Decline |
Causes of the Crash: Hype Fade and Regulatory Scrutiny
The 89% drop stems from post-launch euphoria fading and structural issues:
- Speculative Mania: Initial surge driven by Trump’s endorsement, but whales (top holders) sold off, per FT analysis.
- Regulatory Concerns: SEC scrutiny over political-crypto ties and token unlocks; Trump’s $15 billion lawsuit against NYT alleges harm to $TRUMP’s reputation.
- Market Volatility: Broader crypto downturns, with $TRUMP down 80%+ from peak, mirroring $MELANIA’s 98% plunge.
- Insider Profits: CIC Digital and affiliates collected $100 million in fees, while small traders lost amid the pump-and-dump.
Peter Schiff tweeted: “Thanks to Trump, more Americans will lose more money in crypto… $TRUMP, already down over 80%, is a perfect example.”
Future Outlook: Rebound Potential or Continued Decline?
Price predictions vary:
- Short-Term: CoinDCX forecasts $9.60 average in 2025 ($7.40-$12.00 range), with $15 by 2030.
- Bullish Case: Breakout above $9.50 could target $10.50-$12 by late September, per CoinGape.
- Bearish Risks: Failure at $7.50 may slide to $6.80; regulatory probes and unlocks loom.
$TRUMP’s $1 billion cap retains relevance, but volatility persists.
Conclusion: $TRUMP’s 89% Crash: Hype Meets Reality
$TRUMP’s 89% drop from $75.35 peak exemplifies meme coin risks, with insiders profiting $100 million while small traders lose. As regulatory shadows grow, rebound chances hinge on sentiment. For political crypto, it’s a cautionary tale—will Trump tokens recover? The votes (and trades) count. reuters
