Melania Trump Said She Partnered With MoonPay For New NFT Line—But Company Denies Involvement

On Dec 16, 2021

Topline

Melania Trump on Thursday announced she plans to start selling artwork as non-fungible tokens using the cryptocurrency exchange MoonPay to process payments, but the company denied any involvement with the former first lady’s effort.

Then First Lady Melania Trump listens to the US president on Oct. 26, 2017 in the East Room of the … [+] White House in Washington. (Photo by BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP via Getty Images)

AFP via Getty Images

Key Facts

In a news release Thursday morning, Trump claimed the “Melania Trump NFT” platform will use Solana blockchain protocol, and utilize MoonPay to process crypto and credit card payments, with right-wing social network Parler “powering the platform.”

MoonPay spokeswoman Cat Ommanney told Forbes on Thursday afternoon that the company had never been contacted by Trump representatives and MoonPay “has no official role in the effort.” (An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated MoonPay’s role.)

Trump’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Forbes.

Her first NFT, called “Melania’s Vision,” is on sale on her website until December 31, featuring a watercolor painting of her “cobalt blue eyes” along with a 10-second audio message from the former First Lady.

The NFT is selling for one Solana coin, which is equal to just over $185, according to cryptodata website CoinGecko.

The “Melania Trump NFT” platform will use Solana blockchain protocol, with right-wing social network Parler “powering the platform,” according to a news release.

Crucial Quote

“I am proud to announce my new NFT endeavor, which embodies my passion for the arts and will support my ongoing commitment to children through my Be Best initiative,” Trump said in a statement.

Key Background

NFTs, which are unique assets on the blockchain that can be bought and sold, have exploded in popularity during 2021. That’s caught the attention of numerous celebrities, fashion brands and even sports leagues that have tried to get in on the trend. While some, like Paris Hilton and Grimes, launched a series of NFTs that quickly sold out, others haven’t been as successful. Pro wrestler and actor John Cena said at an event in September that his attempt to sell a series of 500 NFTs for $1,000 a piece was a “catastrophic failure.” He said only 37 NFTs ended up being sold.

What To Watch For

Trump said she plans to launch a “one-of-a-kind auction of historical importance” in January 2022, when she will sell “digital artwork, physical artwork and a physical one-of-a-kind accessory.”