$300 million in Trump meme coins unlock as token drops 90% from peak

$300 Million in Trump Meme Coins Unlock as Price Plummets 90% From January Peak

Major unlocking event stirs volatility amid waning enthusiasm for Trump-themed cryptocurrency

Roughly 40 million units of the Trump-themed meme coin became eligible for sale on Thursday, marking the end of their lock-up period and igniting fresh concerns about market volatility. At recent prices, the newly unlocked tokens were worth approximately $300 million.

The Trump coin (TRUMPUSD) dropped 3.1% on Thursday to around $7.50, continuing a sharp decline from its all-time high of $73.43 reached on January 19 — just two days after the token's launch. The cryptocurrency has now lost more than 90% of its peak value, according to Dow Jones Market Data.

Bitcoin steady as meme coin sentiment sours

In contrast to the Trump coin’s slide, bitcoin (BTCUSD) held steady, rising 0.5% to $84,877 Thursday afternoon. Bitcoin’s stability, often seen as a benchmark for the broader digital asset market, underscored the Trump coin’s unique vulnerability to sentiment shifts and speculative trading behavior.

The recent price drop may be partially attributed to investor anticipation of the unlock, as early holders gain the opportunity to sell for the first time.

Unlocking schedules and meme coin dynamics

Unlocking schedules — staggered release plans for previously restricted tokens — are a common mechanism in the crypto industry, particularly for new or volatile assets. Designed to support long-term price stability, these schedules often trigger short-term selling pressure as insiders or early investors seek to exit positions.

“It’s a common pattern in meme-coin cycles,” said Ian Balina, CEO of Token Metrics. “Teams or insiders take advantage of liquidity events to offload positions, especially if hype is fading.”

While it's unclear how many tokens have actually been sold since the unlocking began, analysts note that the mere anticipation of increased supply can erode confidence, particularly in low-utility assets driven primarily by online buzz.

Trump coin's broader release still underway

According to the official website of the Trump coin, the full distribution plan includes a total supply of 1 billion tokens. The current unlocking is part of a broader three-year vesting schedule that will gradually release 800 million tokens to holders.

At launch in January, approximately 100 million tokens were sold to the public, while an additional 100 million were set aside for liquidity purposes — providing a base level of tradability on crypto exchanges.

Further unlocks are scheduled to occur in the coming weeks and months following the April 17 milestone, potentially adding more downward pressure to the market unless demand rebounds significantly.

Official silence amid mounting speculation

As of publication, representatives for the Trump Organization have not issued any public comment regarding the meme coin or its recent market activity. The token’s unofficial status — with no direct ties to Donald Trump or his campaign — adds a layer of ambiguity to its future.

Crypto analysts caution that while meme coins can deliver outsized short-term returns, they remain among the most speculative assets in the digital currency space. Without ongoing utility or engagement, enthusiasm can fade as quickly as it surged.

As the Trump coin navigates its post-unlock period, traders and speculators will be watching closely to see whether the asset stabilizes — or becomes another cautionary tale in the volatile world of meme-based cryptocurrencies.

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