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Lamar Odom Faces Protest at Trump’s Meme Coin Gala
Former NBA player Lamar Odom received a hostile welcome from protesters as he arrived at a gala dinner celebrating President Donald Trump’s $TRUMP meme coin. Odom, who gained fame as a Los Angeles Lakers player and for his marriage to Khloe Kardashian, was among the 220 top bidders of the meme coin, which secured him an invitation to the extravagant black-tie event held at Trump’s golf course in Virginia. This event is under scrutiny from Democrats, who allege that Trump is exploiting his presidential influence for personal financial gain.
Odom Documenting His Gala Experience Amid Protests
In a video shared on his X account, Odom captured his entrance into the gala, where he promoted his own meme coin while being met with chants of “shame.” He expressed excitement about attending the gala, emphasizing that his coin, $ODOM, is more than just a token but a representation of his journey. The footage also featured a protester holding a sign reading “No Kings.” Despite the negative reception, Odom appeared unfazed, smiling as he made his way into the exclusive event.
Odom’s Controversial Past and Recent Ventures
Odom’s history is marked by various controversies, including a near-fatal overdose that left him in a coma while still married to Kardashian, who later expressed feelings of humiliation over his infidelities during their relationship from 2009 to 2016. His time on reality show Big Brother in 2022 also drew attention when he publicly discussed an embarrassing incident, attributing it to his irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Recently, he launched his cryptocurrency just a week prior to attending the Trump gala.
Concerns Over Foreign Investment in Trump’s Meme Coin
A significant concern regarding Trump’s meme coin is the foreign investment it has attracted, raising alarms among lawmakers who fear that these investors may seek favors from the president in return for financial support. Reports indicate that approximately 80% of the meme coin’s supply is held by the Trump Organization and its affiliates. Notably, most of the top investors, excluding the Trump family, utilized foreign exchanges that are unavailable to U.S. residents, with over half of the holders relying on similar offshore platforms.
Protesters Voice Concerns Over Potential Corruption
Among the protesters outside the gala was Democratic Senator Jeff Merkley from Oregon, who denounced Trump’s cryptocurrency initiative as “the Mount Everest of corruption.” He described it as a “crypto corruption club” while calling for accountability regarding a separate $2 billion investment deal involving an Abu Dhabi state-backed firm and World Liberty Financial, a venture in which the Trump family has a significant stake. Questions about potential conflicts of interest have arisen, particularly given that the co-founder of World Liberty Financial is the son of Trump’s Special Envoy to the Middle East.
Democrats Demand Transparency Over Financial Dealings
Senators Merkley and Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts expressed their concerns in a letter to the Office of Government Ethics, emphasizing that the investment deal could yield substantial profits for the Trump and Witkoff families. They highlighted the potential for unethical dealings, suggesting that the Trump Administration might offer favors to foreign entities in exchange for lucrative payouts.
White House Responds to Accusations of Corruption
Senator Mark Kelly criticized the $TRUMP meme coin as “corruption in broad daylight,” echoing sentiments that Trump is profiting from his presidency through these ventures. In response to these allegations, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt dismissed the notion that the president is financially benefiting from his role, asserting that Trump was already successful prior to his public service.
