Billionaire investor Mark Cuban is stirring the crypto world again, hinting at launching his own meme coin with a unique purpose—helping to reduce the U.S. national debt.
Cuban’s proposal: A meme coin with a mission
On January 20, the Shark Tank star took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his interest in creating a token similar to Donald Trump’s $TRUMP meme coin, which saw a 1,000% surge shortly after its launch. However, Cuban’s version would feature a significant twist—proceeds from the token sales would go directly to the U.S. Treasury.
“If meme coins are the way, maybe I’ll issue one,” Cuban wrote. “Same terms as $TRUMP. 20% float. Same release schedule. One difference: All revenue from the sale of the coins goes to the U.S. Treasury. The wallet address will be published so everyone can track it.”
The U.S. national debt currently stands at $36.22 trillion, making Cuban’s idea an ambitious—albeit unconventional—proposal to address the growing crisis.
Critics question Cuban’s stance on meme coins
Despite the overwhelming engagement on Cuban’s post—garnering over 60,000 likes—some users were quick to point out his past criticism of meme coins.
Cuban had previously dismissed them as “shit coins”, warning investors about their speculative nature. When challenged on his apparent change of heart, he responded:
“Just making the point. If it’s a grift, make it a grift to benefit all Americans.“
Another user suggested that Cuban split the proceeds between reducing national debt and lowering prescription drug prices, but he declined. “Wouldn’t want to pick favorites,” he wrote, emphasizing that everyone benefits from lower debt.
Cuban, a vocal critic of former President Trump, seemed particularly intrigued by the $TRUMP meme coin’s early surge and subsequent crash. The token peaked at $71 before stabilizing at $26.40 on January 27.
Ethereum’s Vitalik Buterin warns of political meme coin risks
While meme coins continue to dominate crypto trends, Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin issued a stark warning about their potential dangers—especially those tied to political figures.
In a recent statement, Buterin argued that political meme coins serve as an efficient bribery vehicle, allowing politicians to financially benefit without direct transactions.
“If a politician issues a coin, you don’t even need to send them money,” Buterin explained. “Just buying and holding the coin increases the value of their holdings passively, creating a hidden financial incentive that bypasses oversight.”
His concerns align with those of David Sacks, the White House AI and crypto czar, who likened meme coins to collectibles like baseball cards. However, Buterin cautioned that the ability to subtly funnel wealth through meme coins could pose a serious threat to democracy.
With Cuban now entering the conversation, the debate over meme coins’ legitimacy and influence continues to intensify. Whether Cuban follows through with his plan remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—crypto is becoming increasingly intertwined with politics and finance.
Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Her career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including International Business Times, Celebeat and Delightful Philippines. As a news editor, Jaja covered a wide range of beats, including legal, business, economy, cryptocurrency, personal finance, gaming, technology, and entertainment.