Hunter Biden Launches $LAPTOP Memecoin Based On Controversial Laptop
Hunter Biden launched a cryptocurrency called $LAPTOP on September 9th, 2026, named after the controversial laptop scandal that defined his public image. The laptop, which he abandoned at a Delaware repair shop in April 2019, was seized by the FBI and contained emails, financial records, and explicit photos. Biden framed the memecoin as reclaiming the scandal that has followed him for six years. The token launched with one billion total supply on the Base blockchain, with thirty percent reserved for founders including Biden, locked for six months. Another twenty percent is allocated for community airdrops, including to people who lost money on former President Trump's memecoin. The coin surged above 190 dollars upon launch, then crashed nearly ninety-eight percent within the first hour. The move drew immediate criticism from crypto analysts who warned investors to avoid it, citing concerns about pump-and-dump schemes.
Key facts
- Hunter Biden launched $LAPTOP memecoin on September 9, 2026, trading on Base blockchain
- Total token supply is 1 billion tokens with 35% unlocked at launch
- Founders including Biden retain 30% of supply, locked for 6 months
- Coin crashed 98% in first hour, from over $190 to $2.15
- 20% of supply allocated for community airdrops, including to TRUMP token investors
- Laptop was abandoned in Delaware repair shop in April 2019 and seized by FBI
- FBI concluded in 2019 that laptop was genuine and not tampered with
- No public evidence surfaced supporting Russian disinformation claims by May 2023
How different outlets framed it
Left-leaning coverage: Left-leaning outlets and commentators have emphasized Biden's humorous approach to reclaiming a political liability, particularly noting his criticism of Trump's own memecoin as a grift and his plan to compensate TRUMP token investors. The focus has been on Biden's recovery advocacy and his recent vocal platform on social media speaking about his past addiction struggles.
Right-leaning coverage: Right-leaning sources like Breitbart emphasize the questionable nature of Biden profiting from the laptop scandal and characterize the launch as opportunistic. They reference the original 2020 laptop controversy, the dramatic price collapse, and frame it as another example of celebrity crypto schemes with limited substantive value.
Limits of this briefing
Some confusion arose regarding YouTube channel Channel 5's involvement in mailing list distribution. Initial reports suggested Biden's team used the mailing list; Channel 5 later clarified they had deleted the list before any promotional emails were sent. Long-term price stability and actual utility of the token remain speculative.
Sources
- Bloomberg: Hunter Biden's 'Laptop' Memecoin Surges, Then Plummets on Debut Centre
- CNN Business: Hunter Biden is reportedly launching a meme coin inspired by his infamous laptop Centre
- Breitbart: Hunter Biden Launches "$LAPTOP" Meme Cryptocurrency, It Crashes 98% in 1 Hour Right
- Fortune: Hunter Biden launches $LAPTOP memecoin, trolls Trump by promising 20% reserved for traders Centre
- CoinDesk: Hunter Biden defends LAPTOP ahead of Wednesday launch, calls TRUMP a 'grift' Centre