Trump Meme Coin Drives $1.57 Billion Token Unlock This Week

Trump Meme Coin Triggers $1.57 Billion Token Unlock Amid Market Volatility

Cryptocurrency markets are preparing for significant turbulence as over $1.57 billion worth of tokens are scheduled to unlock between July 14 and July 21, according to data from Tokenomist. At the forefront of this activity is the Official Trump (TRUMP) meme coin, which has ignited a surge in trading volume across exchanges, attracting both investor enthusiasm and increased regulatory scrutiny.

Major Token Unlocks and Market Implications

The TRUMP token team plans to release 90 million tokens valued at approximately $865.8 million, accounting for more than 45% of the coin’s circulating supply. Although such token unlocks are typically predetermined, their impact on the market depends largely on whether holders decide to sell, retain, or stake their assets. Over the past week, TRUMP has risen by 13.9%, with a 9.4% gain over the last two weeks, currently trading at $9.82 and boasting a market capitalization close to $2 billion. The token has rebounded from a recent low of $8.47 and remains just below its weekly peak of $10.33, indicating robust demand ahead of the unlock.

Other notable token unlocks this week include Connex (CONX), releasing $145.8 million worth of tokens, and Fasttoken (FTN), with 20 million tokens valued at nearly $90 million. LayerZero is set to sell approximately 25 million ZRO tokens for $56 million, while Arbitrum will unlock $38.8 million worth of ARB tokens. Additionally, Melania, a sister meme coin to TRUMP, will release over 26 million tokens valued at $5.31 million.

Exchange Activity and Regulatory Concerns

The substantial unlock of TRUMP tokens has prompted major cryptocurrency exchanges to accelerate listings, often bypassing their standard vetting procedures to capitalize on the anticipated trading volume. This surge in activity has generated significant trading fees for the Trump family, with Chainalysis estimating earnings exceeding $350 million. The rapid adoption of the token underscores the fiercely competitive nature of the crypto exchange market, particularly when high-profile tokens are involved.

However, the prominence of the TRUMP meme coin has also drawn regulatory attention. Democratic lawmakers have advocated for a presidential crypto ban, citing concerns over former President Donald Trump’s direct promotion of the asset. This development highlights the inherent volatility of meme coins and the outsized influence that celebrity endorsements can exert on market sentiment.

Broader Market Unlocks and Their Effects

Beyond TRUMP, Solana (SOL) is undergoing a more gradual, linear unlock, with approximately 465,770 SOL tokens—valued at $75.88 million and representing less than 0.1% of its total supply—being released throughout the week. SOL has experienced a 10.9% increase over the past week, trading near $167.53, and has posted double-digit gains over longer periods, suggesting positive market sentiment that may help absorb the impact of the new supply.

In total, 98 projects are expected to unlock tokens daily over the coming week. Among these are Worldcoin, releasing $37.23 million worth of WLD tokens, and Bittensor, unlocking 50,400 TAO tokens valued at approximately $20 million. Dogecoin (DOGE), the original meme coin, will also unlock an additional 0.06% of its circulating supply—94.49 million units valued at just over $19 million.

As the market contends with this wave of token unlocks, attention remains focused on the complex interplay between investor behavior, regulatory developments, and the persistent influence of meme-driven speculation.