Trump Memecoin Gains Real-World Use as Payment for Luxury Goods

Key Takeaways

• Trump’s official memecoin can now be used to buy sneakers, watches, and vacations.
• Critics previously slammed the token for lacking real-world utility.
• A hedge fund has filed for an ETF based on Trump’s memecoin and Dogecoin.

What started as a controversial digital asset with no apparent use case is now being accepted as a legitimate form of payment.

Just two weeks after its launch, Trump’s official memecoin TRUMP has found real-world adoption, challenging initial skepticism that dismissed it as “pure gambling.”

Several online retailers selling Trump-themed merchandise have begun accepting the token for purchases—a strategy reminiscent of Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s move to integrate Dogecoin into his company’s online store.

Sneakers, Watches, and Vacations—All Payable in TRUMP

According to a Bloomberg report , multiple e-commerce platforms that have licensed the Trump brand—such as GetTrumpWatches.com, GetTrumpFragrances.com, and GetTrumpSneakers.com—now allow customers to pay with TRUMP.

Beyond watches and sneakers, the token has also made its way into the travel industry.

Crypto-focused travel booking platform Travala announced on Jan. 22 that it had integrated Trump’s memecoin as a payment method. The announcement briefly sent the token’s price soaring by over 22%.

While the debate over memecoin utility continues, the financial sector is taking note.

Several asset managers have reportedly filed for an exchange-traded fund (ETF) tied to Trump’s memecoin and Dogecoin.

Trump’s Crypto Fortune Takes a Hit

Despite the growing acceptance of TRUMP, its market performance has stumbled.

After generating nearly $50 billion in paper gains for the former president in its first week, Trump’s memecoin has since lost more than 60% of its value.

The token is currently trading at $27.50, down from an all-time high of over $75.

Industry experts, however, see broader implications beyond price swings.

Bob Bodily, Ph.D., co-founder of Bitcoin infrastructure firm Bioniq, believes the memecoin could signal a shift toward a more crypto-friendly regulatory environment.

“With the openness Trump, his family, and his advisors have shown toward crypto, I think we’re on the verge of a much friendlier regulatory landscape,” Bodily said. “We might see clearer regulations, guidance on launching tokens, and maybe even the possibility of treating crypto as equity in companies.”

Adding to the turmoil, Trump’s overall crypto fortune has declined by $30 billion since he took office.

Some speculate that the drop was accelerated by the unexpected launch of a competing memecoin by First Lady Melania Trump.