Elon Musk Fire Emoji Sends Coinbase-Listed Memecoin Russell Up 240%
On Dec. 19, 2025, a lone fire emoji from Elon Musk coincided with a surge of more than 240% in Russell (RUSSELL) over a 24-hour period. Russell, a memecoin inspired by the Coinbase co-founder’s pet dog and available on Coinbase, saw rapid price appreciation as social channels lit up and retail traders piled in following the signal.
The episode underscores how single social media cues can trigger outsized moves in listed meme tokens, amplifying both upside and downside risk. While the Coinbase listing gives visibility and access to a broader audience, traders should note the speculative nature of such rallies and the potential for abrupt reversals once the social momentum fades.