In an unusual step, the creators of the Solana blockchain have sought to distance themselves from Melania Trump's collection.
Melania Trump has suffered a backlash after announcing she is launching her own range of non-fungible tokens.
The former first lady is launching the NFTs on the Solana blockchain, and says the collection "embodies her passion for the arts."
Her first NFT is known as "Melania's Vision" — a watercolor artwork that features her "cobalt blue eyes, providing the collector with an amulet to inspire."
An audio recording is also provided where Ms Trump provides "a message of hope."
This first NFT is going under the hammer for 1 SOL, and that's worth about $177 at the time of writing.
Trump has received criticism after announcing that only a "portion" of proceeds are going to charity, with critics questioning why 100% of the funds aren't earmarked for good causes.
Others shared a poster entitled "NFTs F****** Suck," which says:
"Not everything has to be crypto, asshole. Artists have been making money online for decades without the f****** blockchain and wasting a month's worth of energy with a single click. They didn't need it 20 years ago and they don't need it now. Just admit you care more about crypto and/or making bank on a fad rather than the livelihoods of actual artists."
An Unusual Twist
The decentralization of blockchain networks means anybody can use them — even those who have courted controversy in the public eye (not to mention their husbands.)
In an unusual step, the creators of the Solana blockchain have sought to distance themselves from Melania Trump's collection — telling Decrypt in a statement:
"I wanted to inform you, to avoid any confusion, that her choice to use the Solana blockchain was completely organic, and this project is not part of any Solana-led initiative."
