Trump’s ‘Major Announcement’ Unveils Bizarre NFT Collection: Crypto Community and MAGA Fans Scratch Their Heads

Donald Trump, the former US President known for his strong opinions on pretty much everything, just dropped a bombshell in the crypto world – or did he? His recent “major announcement” wasn’t quite what many expected. Instead of a political rally cry, Trump unveiled… wait for it… a collection of digital trading cards featuring himself as an NFT. Yes, you read that right. And the reaction? Let’s just say it’s been a mix of bewilderment, amusement, and a healthy dose of ‘what just happened?’

Trump NFTs: A ‘Major Announcement’ or a Major Head-Scratcher?

On December 15th, the internet was buzzing with anticipation for Trump’s promised “major announcement” on his social media platform, Truth Social. Many speculated about a potential presidential run, a new political venture, or something equally impactful. What they got was… NFTs. Specifically, 45,000 digital trading cards showcasing Donald Trump in a variety of, shall we say, *interesting* scenarios. Think Trump in golf gear, Trump in hunting attire, and even Trump as a superhero. It’s definitely… something.

These Polygon-based NFTs were priced at $99 each, and purchasing one automatically enters you into a sweepstakes. The prizes? Experiences that Trump fans might find… well, prized. We’re talking about:

• Dinner with Donald Trump: Imagine the conversations!
• Golfing with Donald Trump: Fore! And maybe some political commentary on the green.
• Zoom Calls: A more digital, yet still personal connection.
• Meetings with Individuals: Opportunities for face-to-face interactions.
• Autographs: For the avid collector.

Trump himself pitched these NFTs not as mere digital collectibles, but as “community access” passes. But has the community embraced them? Let’s dive into the reactions.

Crypto Community and MAGA Supporters: United in Confusion?

The crypto community, known for its forward-thinking and often unconventional nature, was largely… perplexed. Remember, Trump hasn’t exactly been a vocal supporter of cryptocurrencies in the past. This sudden foray into NFTs felt out of left field for many. Analyst Eric Wall went as far as comparing the project to a “SimpDAO,” referencing the IreneDAO NFT project which gained popularity by allowing fans to connect with social media star Irene Zhao.

But it’s not just the crypto natives scratching their heads. Even staunch conservatives and ardent MAGA supporters, Trump’s core base, seem to be taken aback. Many had anticipated a more serious announcement, perhaps related to his political future. The NFT drop felt… underwhelming, to say the least, for those expecting something more substantial.

Consider these reactions:

• Baked Alaska (Anthime Gionet): The far-right internet personality and Capitol riot attendee tweeted, “I can’t believe I’m going to jail for an NFT salesman.” A rather pointedly negative take.
• The Hodgetwins: These conservative content creators expressed their disappointment, stating, “Man…when all Patriots want is hope for the future of our country and Trump hypes everybody up with a ‘BIG ANNOUNCEMENT,’ then he drops a low quality NFT collection video as the ‘announcement,’ it just pushes people away Damn.” This sentiment reflects the feeling of many who felt let down by the nature of the announcement.

The ‘SimpDAO’ Comparison: What Does it Mean?

The term “SimpDAO” might be new to some, so let’s break it down. It gained traction after social media star Irene Zhao launched IreneDAO in January. This NFT project essentially allows fans, often referred to as ‘Simps’ in internet slang (though used in a less derogatory way here), to connect with Irene and gain access to perks. These perks can include:

• Free tokens
• Meet-and-greets
• Phone calls

IreneDAO’s model is built on fan engagement and direct interaction, and it has seen considerable success, generating around $3.3 million in secondary NFT sales on OpenSea alone. Eric Wall’s comparison of Trump’s NFTs to a “SimpDAO” suggests he sees a similar dynamic at play: fans buying NFTs for access and connection to a public figure, rather than purely for the art or technological innovation.

Not Everyone’s a Critic: CZ’s Bullish Take

However, not everyone is dismissing Trump’s NFT venture. Changpeng Zhao (CZ), the CEO of Binance, a major cryptocurrency exchange, offered a more optimistic perspective. CZ, setting aside any political considerations, tweeted, “former United States President issues NFTs. And he wasn’t a fan of crypto before. We’re on our way.” He seems to view this as a sign of increasing mainstream adoption of NFTs and crypto, regardless of the unconventional nature of the project.

Jack Dorsey, a well-known Bitcoin proponent and founder of Twitter, responded to CZ’s bullishness with a simple, questioning, “getting where?” This reflects the skepticism within the crypto community about whether this particular NFT project truly signifies meaningful progress for the space.

Market Reaction: Are Trump NFTs a Hot Commodity?

So, how are Trump’s NFTs performing in the market? As of now, a significant number, around 35,600 “Trump Digital Trading Cards,” are listed for secondary sales on Opensea, a popular NFT marketplace. The floor price, the lowest price at which you can currently buy one, is around 0.065 Ether (ETH), which translates to roughly $82.

While the floor price is below the initial $99 mint price, some notable sales have occurred. According to reports within the NFT community, some of the highest sales have ranged between 1 ETH ($1270) and 2 ETH ($2,541). This suggests that while there’s a lot of supply on the secondary market, there’s also demand from certain buyers willing to pay a premium for specific NFTs or perhaps the associated sweepstakes entries.

A snapshot of Trump NFTs listed on OpenSea. Source: OpenSea

Final Thoughts: A Bizarre Move or Genius Marketing?

Donald Trump’s NFT collection is undeniably a polarizing and unexpected move. It has sparked confusion and amusement in equal measure, drawing criticism from both the crypto community and some of his own supporters. Whether it’s a genuine attempt to engage with a new technology, a purely profit-driven venture, or simply another way for Trump to stay in the headlines remains to be seen.

One thing is certain: it’s generated a lot of buzz. And in the world of NFTs and digital collectibles, attention, even if it’s laced with skepticism, can sometimes translate into value. Will Trump’s NFTs become a sought-after collectible, or will they fade into the vast landscape of digital ephemera? Only time will tell. But for now, it’s safe to say that Trump’s “major announcement” has certainly given everyone something to talk about – even if they’re not quite sure what to make of it.