Former first lady Melania Trump announced her participation in a non-fungible token (NFT) platform on Thursday in a bid to help foster children while helping to fulfill her “passion for the arts.”
The first NFT, which is called “Melania’s Vision,” is available for purchase for a limited time between Dec. 16 and Dec. 31, according to a press release from her office.
“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.
“Through this new technology-based platform, we will provide children computer science skills, including programming and software development, to thrive after they age out of the foster community,” she continued.
According to the release, “‘Melania’s Vision’ is a breathtaking watercolor art by Marc-Antoine Coulon, and embodies Mrs. Trump’s cobalt blue eyes, providing the collector with an amulet to inspire.”
“The limited edition piece of digital artwork will be valued at $150 and includes an audio recording from Mrs. Trump with a message of hope,” the release added.
The plan is to release NFTs at regular intervals followed by a “one-of-a-kind auction of historical importance” that is currently scheduled for Jan. 22. It will feature a trio of elements: digital artwork, physical art, and a physical one-of-a-kind accessory, according to the release.
Some of the proceeds will go toward helping children who are aging out of foster care by empowering them economically and providing expanded access to additional resources necessary for them to excel in the computer science and technology industries.
“The Melania Trump NFT platform will utilize the Solana blockchain protocol; and will accept both the SOL cryptocurrency and credit cards payments through MoonPay. Parler is powering the platform,” the release added.
Non-fungible tokens have been in existence since 2014. They have become a very popular and profitable way to buy and sell digital artwork; Forbes notes that since November 2017, $174 million has been spent in the purchase of NFTs.
“An NFT is a digital asset that represents real-world objects like art, music, in-game items and videos. They are bought and sold online, frequently with cryptocurrency, and they are generally encoded with the same underlying software as many cryptos,” Forbes reported.
Most often, the items are unique or very limited in distribution. Though others may be able to actually view the work, an NFT gives the buyer exclusive ownership. In addition, collectors are secure in the knowledge that NFTs feature built-in authentication.
The NFTs will be offered for sale at MelaniaTrump.com.
Earlier this month, Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady announced his NFT collection. And Michael Cohen, President Trump’s former personal attorney, also said recently he planned to sell mementos from his time behind bars as NFTs.
Jon has over 30 years' worth of reporting experience, as well as an author and U.S. Army veteran. He has a BA in political science from Ashford University and an MA in national security studies/intelligence analysis from American Military University.
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