Tron Founder Justin Sun Denies Bribery Allegations After Trump Gala

Justin Sun, the founder of Tron, has vehemently denied allegations of bribery following a high-profile gala event hosted by former U.S. President Donald Trump. The event, which took place at Trump National Golf Club in Virginia, was attended by the top holders of the TRUMP memecoin, including many international investors. Critics have suggested that the TRUMP memecoin serves as a form of political bribery, but Sun has dismissed these claims as misguided.

Sun defended the use of memecoins, asserting that they are valid tools within the cryptocurrency ecosystem that help onboard new users globally. He highlighted that the Biden administration's approach to cryptocurrency has prompted many entrepreneurs in the sector to relocate to more favorable jurisdictions. However, Trump's support for crypto, as demonstrated by the gala, encourages firms and investors to remain in the United States. Sun's involvement with Trump's affiliated crypto ventures began last year when he purchased $75 million worth of World Liberty Financial tokens.

The gala attracted significant attention and investment, with the top 25 TRUMP holders spending approximately $111 million for VIP access and exclusive event perks. Sun himself ranked first with an $18.5 million wallet, securing him a VIP position at the dinner. The event drew participants from various countries, with more than half of the 220 attendees residing outside the U.S. This global participation has raised concerns about foreign interest in the event.

Democratic officials have criticized the summit, citing concerns about transparency and ethics. Senator Elizabeth Warren and other lawmakers have questioned the legality of the funds raised by Trump’s campaign with cryptocurrencies and accused Trump of using his public office to profit from his crypto business. A White House spokesperson, Karoline Leavitt, stated that President Trump had placed all his assets in a blind trust. Additionally, Rep. Maxine Waters introduced the “Stop TRUMP in Crypto Act of 2025,” which aims to prevent presidents and their family members from holding or profiting from crypto.

Despite the criticism, Sun remains steadfast in his support for memecoins, arguing that they have a legitimate place in the digital asset industry. He pointed out that coins like DOGE and SHIB have brought new users into the crypto space and demonstrated real-world utility. Sun believes that meme coins are a valid part of the evolving digital economy and that market dynamics, rather than external influences, determine their success or failure. He compared the crypto market to any other entrepreneurial sector, stating that it is simply about doing business.