By Muhammad Razi 
A Surprising Crypto Rivalry
“In a dramatic turn of events, incoming First Lady Melania Trump has entered the cryptocurrency world with the launch of her own token, $MELANIA, dubbed the ‘Melania memecoin,’ just a day before Donald Trump’s inauguration as the 47th President of the United States.”
“The Official Melania Meme is live! You can buy $MELANIA now,” Melania posted enthusiastically. Her coin, built on the Solana blockchain, quickly captured the market’s attention, soaring to a $5 billion market cap within hours. However, the launch came at a cost to her husband’s $TRUMP token, which suffered a significant 40% value decline shortly after $MELANIA’s debut.
$MELANIA’s Meteoric Rise
Melania Trump’s announcement caused a wave of excitement among crypto enthusiasts. Within minutes, $MELANIA’s price surged to over $5, reaching a multi-billion-dollar market cap, as reported by Forbes. Traders quickly flocked to invest, capitalizing on the First Lady’s endorsement.
$TRUMP Token Faces a Crash
Meanwhile, Donald Trump’s $TRUMP token, which had initially skyrocketed to a $14 billion market cap, became the unexpected casualty of $MELANIA’s success. Investors, eager to jump on the $MELANIA bandwagon, began selling off $TRUMP holdings en masse. Analysts revealed that $TRUMP’s market cap dropped by $7.5 billion in just 10 minutes following Melania’s announcement.
A New Era for Crypto Innovation
The volatility surrounding these tokens highlights a broader shift in the US cryptocurrency landscape. David Sacks, a crypto advisor to Donald Trump, commented, “The reign of terror against crypto is over.” His statement reflects the incoming administration’s intent to foster a supportive environment for digital assets.
Pro-Crypto Policies Under Trump
Donald Trump’s pro-cryptocurrency stance has already fueled optimism in the market. Following his victory in the 2024 elections, Bitcoin’s value soared past $100,000, contributing to a $1.8 trillion increase in global crypto market capitalization within the year. Trump has outlined plans to prioritize cryptocurrency through an executive order, establish a national Bitcoin reserve, and form a crypto advisory council to reduce regulatory hurdles. These measures further boosted Bitcoin’s value to $105,000 last week, a monthly high.
Expanding the Trump Brand
The $TRUMP coin is now part of Donald Trump’s ever-growing merchandise portfolio, alongside luxury watches, silver coins, limited-edition sneakers, and NFT trading cards. Reports suggest these ventures have already generated millions, including $7.2 million in NFT licensing fees alone.
Historic Second Inauguration
Donald Trump’s second inauguration as President of the United States on January 20 marks a significant milestone in American history. The ceremony, taking place inside the US Capitol for the first time since Ronald Reagan’s second-term inauguration in 1985, symbolizes the Republican leader’s enduring influence. Trump arrived in Washington, D.C., on Saturday to celebrate with family, supporters, and political allies ahead of the event.
Melania memecoin ($MELANIA) and its rapid market success have added a new dimension to the upcoming presidency, setting the stage for a crypto-friendly administration that promises to reshape the digital asset landscape.