Goldman Sachs, FIFA, and Nicki Minaj: Inside Trump’s surreal Mar-a-Lago crypto summit

CoinDesk

by Helene Braun

February 20, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Crypto, real estate, and politics converged at Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago club during a high-profile forum hosted by World Liberty Financial, showcasing an unusual mix of power players and thought leaders. The event, held February 20-21, 2026, brought together figures from the worlds of finance, crypto, and entertainment, creating a surreal atmosphere where discussions about tokenization, regulation, and the future of global currencies intertwined with lighter moments like FIFA World Cup talk and celebrity sightings. The guest list was a blend of industry heavyweights and rising disruptors. Attendees included Binance founder Changpeng Zhao, Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon, and Franklin Templeton CEO Jenny Johnson, alongside Trump family members Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr. Topics ranged from the potential of tokenized assets to the role of the U.S. dollar as a global reserve currency. Johnson argued that the euro’s lack of coordination among EU countries makes it unlikely to challenge the dollar’s dominance, while Solomon humorously noted his presence was requested by a client. The event also highlighted the growing influence of crypto in traditional financial circles. Panel discussions touched on the antiquated nature of finance and its punitive practices, with Trump Jr. sharing personal grievances about banks closing family accounts due to political affiliations. Meanwhile, attendees reflected on how crypto could disrupt traditional systems, with some suggesting stablecoins backed by the U.S. dollar as a key driver of change. The forum’s international attendance underscored crypto’s global reach, with participants traveling from events like ETHDenver and Consensus Hong Kong. While panels often focused on broader financial themes rather than crypto specifics, the event served as a reminder of how deeply intertwined digital assets have become with mainstream finance and politics. For readers interested in crypto, this summit highlights the increasing overlap between blockchain technology, global economics, and political influence. The gathering at Mar-a-Lago exemplifies how crypto is becoming a central topic for high-powered discussions about the future of money and markets, blending business strategy with geopolitical dynamics.

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Originally published on CoinDesk on 2/20/2026