A viral post falsely claimed that a Nigerian fraudster scammed former U.S. President Donald Trump out of $250,000 during his 2025 inauguration. However, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and FBI clarified that Trump was not the victim.
A viral post falsely claimed that a Nigerian fraudster scammed former U.S. President Donald Trump out of $250,000 during his 2025 inauguration. However, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and FBI clarified that Trump was not the victim. The scam targeted a donor intending to support the Trump-Vance Inaugural Committee, who was deceived by a spoofed email resembling co-chair Steve Witkoff’s.
The donor transferred $250,300 in cryptocurrency to a fraudulent wallet on December 26, 2024. Authorities traced part of the funds to Ehiremen Aigbokhan, a Lagos-based suspect, and seized $40,300.
“It appeared likely that Aigbokhan received an international transfer of funds… as a result of his fraudulent activity,” prosecutors stated.
“Impersonation scams… cost Americans billions,” said FBI Assistant Director Steven J. Jensen. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro warned donors to verify cryptocurrency recipients.
The claim that Trump was defrauded is misleading; only his name was used to trick the donor.