Donald Trump sparked controversy when he appeared in a video before Super Bowl LX to solicit campaign donations in cryptocurrency and claimed "the money will double," raising questions about transparency and the potential use of artificial intelligence (AI/deepfake).
The incident quickly came under scrutiny because the video lacked any notification regarding AI, and the promise of "doubling" was easily misinterpreted as a scam. In the context of increasingly stringent regulations on media transparency, the delivery of political messages through crypto has become a focal point of debate.
- A video soliciting cryptocurrency donations during Super Bowl LX has been criticized for its lack of information about AI and the wording that “money will be doubled.”
- The community and analysts are questioning the legal and ethical standards, as well as the transparency requirements, of aggregated content.
- Crypto marketing is shifting from hype to caution, prioritizing trust, regulation, and transparency.
Trump calls for cryptocurrency campaign donations on Super Bowl.
During the prelude to Super Bowl LX, a video featuring Donald Trump urging XEM to donate to his campaign using cryptocurrency and saying the money would be "doubled" immediately drew attention and sparked controversy.
The content, described as appearing in a Fox Corporation broadcast, featured elaborate video footage of Trump alongside Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth. The most striking element was the call for cryptocurrency donations and the claim that "money will be doubled," a phrase easily misinterpreted as a guaranteed return on investment.
At the same time, Trump posted related content on Truth Social. The post is linked here: XEM the Truth Social post .
The video has been criticized for lacking AI labeling and the risk of being considered a deepfake.
The video faced criticism for not disclosing whether or not AI was used, while many argued that the images looked "fake," like AI/deepfake content.
The first problem is the lack of any notification regarding AI. When a video feels "unnatural," XEM easily assume it's a composite or heavily edited product, leading to accusations of deepfake on social media.
The second issue is the lack of clear explanation of how, or at all, AI is being used. This makes the story more sensitive in the context of campaign finance transparency regulations (referred to in the original article as the “Transparency 2026 rule”) that require public disclosure when aggregated media is used.
As a result, regulators and crypto analysts began questioning whether broadcast content met legal and ethical standards, especially when accompanied by "promising" financial messages.
The promise of "double your money" raises concerns about potential fraud.
The phrase "money will be doubled" feels like a common scam motif in crypto, diminishing the credibility of the political message.
In the cryptocurrency market, solicitations for money transfers with promises of "doubling" are often associated with scams. Even though the context is a donation drive, the wording can be interpreted as guaranteeing benefits, thus triggering a wary reaction from the public.
From a media perspective, a political message appearing at a public event like the Super Bowl requires clearer standards regarding authenticity, accountability, and the risk of misinterpretation. When trust is damaged, even supporters may hesitate to use crypto donation channels.
Public reaction erupted following statements related to the Super Bowl.
The online community reacted strongly, and Trump also posted a critique of the halftime show on Truth Social, causing the debate to spread beyond the topic of crypto.
The original post described a user on X mentioning the reaction, and shortly afterward, Trump used Truth Social to launch a scathing critique of the halftime show. The shift in the debate to the performance itself created a chaotic information landscape, blurring the lines between fundraising messages, media controversy, and cultural reactions.
"The Super Bowl halftime show was terrible, one of the worst, EVER!"
– Donald Trump, article on Truth Social
According to the original text, Trump specifically targeted the artist's use of Spanish and the high-energy staging style, arguing that the performance did not represent American standards of "Success, Creativity, or Excellence." He also described the performance as "a slap in the face" to America, while citing the stock market and 401(k) retirement account record highs.
Crypto marketing shifts from the “Crypto Bowl” of 2022 to a cautious approach in 2026.
Compared to the massive advertising frenzy of 2022, the 2026 landscape suggests that the crypto industry prioritizes trust and transparency over extravagant promises.
The original article mentions that the 2022 Super Bowl was once called the “Crypto Bowl” due to its flashy advertising and high hype. By 2026, the approach is described as more cautious, focusing on trust, regulation, and transparency rather than flamboyant messaging.
Notably, Trump did not attend the event in person this year, in contrast to 2025 when he was at Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans. Instead, he chose to connect with supporters through digital media and broadcasts, emphasizing Vai online influence rather than a physical presence.
Cryptocurrency projects linked to Trump continue to face criticism.
The Super Bowl controversy is not an isolated incident, as previous crypto projects linked to Trump have also been criticized for their lack of transparency and planning.
The original article cites the example of Trump's endorsement of World Liberty Financial, which raised concerns within the cryptocurrency community. Many experts argued that the project lacked transparency and a clear plan, making it a risky example if viewed as a signal for crypto policy in the US.
Conclusion: Trust and transparency determine the effectiveness of cryptocurrency fundraising.
This incident demonstrates that even a single detail, such as "double your money" or the lack of AI labeling, can undermine credibility, especially when the message is related to cryptocurrency and appears to the general public.
- The advertisement was criticized for resembling an online scam video more than a serious political message, undermining credibility.
- The online backlash shows that audiences are no longer easily convinced by opaque "digital shows."
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the call for crypto donations at Super Bowl LX controversial?
Because the video doesn't disclose whether or not AI was used, and the imagery is suspected to be deepfake. Additionally, the phrase "money will be doubled" is easily misinterpreted as an unrealistic promise, similar to scams in the crypto world.
What is the biggest risk associated with the phrase "money will double"?
This phrase matches a common pattern in crypto scams, raising concerns among XEM and prompting questions about the legitimacy, ethics, and trustworthiness of the donation channel.
How does the 2022 “Crypto Bowl” differ from the 2026 scenario?
2022 was marked by massive crypto advertising and a focus on hype. The landscape of 2026 is described as more cautious, prioritizing trust, regulation, and transparency over shocking promises.
