Donald Trump Takes Crypto’s Center Stage, Promises Big Shifts

As a seasoned crypto investor with a keen eye for politics and a knack for spotting trends, I find myself both enthralled and cautious about the recent developments in the crypto industry. Donald J. Trump’s entrance into the crypto sphere is undeniably a game-changer, providing an unprecedented opportunity to bring the decentralized world to the mainstream. Yet, my life experiences have taught me that alliances can be fickle, and the winds of politics often shift unpredictably.


At long last, the cryptocurrency field has identified a significant political advocate in Donald J. Trump. Over time, this domain faced difficulties finding an influential figure in politics, someone capable of articulating its libertarian ethos and making its innovative concepts more accessible to the public. Now, Trump seems poised to assume that role.

Trump appears on stage at the Bitcoin Conference in Nashville, expressing his appreciation for crypto supporters. He unveils plans for a Bitcoin Strategic Reserve and pledges to work towards the release of Ross Ulbricht. Additionally, he introduces his own DeFi project called World Liberty Financial, which includes an internal governance system that caters to crypto enthusiasts as a nod to industry insiders.

Nonetheless, some within the industry are experiencing discomfort over their support for Trump. It’s not primarily about endorsement for Kamala Harris or any other political figure, but rather about expressing doubts regarding Trump’s reliability as an ally. His past actions hint that he can be unpredictable, potentially shifting his stance if it aligns with his own interests.

Previous officials working at the White House have expressed concerns about President Trump’s lack of moral principles. John Kelly, who served as his Chief of Staff, went so far as to describe him as someone who matches the definition of a fascist: an individual prepared to disregard constitutional standards in order to achieve their objectives. A former member of the White House staff under Trump has recently shared similar apprehensions.

The Desire to Own the Crypto Issue

During certain interactions, the Biden Administration and Harris campaign have connected with cryptocurrency enthusiasts, but Trump’s team has consistently refused to work with Democrats in this area. At a Bitcoin Conference in Nashville, Elon Musk was initially scheduled to appear alongside Trump. However, behind-the-scenes sources and flight data showed that Musk changed his plans when Trump declined to co-present. Trump aims to be the only political figure associated with cryptocurrency.

In contrast, as cryptocurrency mining moved to the U.S., Republican states embraced the industry, while some Democrat-led states prohibited Bitcoin mining due to environmental concerns. For instance, Texas has been promoting it for its potential to contribute to grid flexibility. The question is: what would be Trump’s reaction if Democrats fully endorsed cryptocurrency?

In an effort to gain sway, the cryptocurrency field has found common ground with the Republican Party (GOP). A significant number of campaign heads within this sector identify as Republicans, and they predominantly support candidates from this party. Notably, organizations such as Stand With Crypto are rallying voters, yet refrain from endorsing figures like Senator Elizabeth Warren.

Ryan Selkis, a former employee of Messari, expressed critical opinions regarding liberal white women. While it’s acceptable to express personal views, such statements could potentially drive away significant groups, thereby hindering attempts to foster widespread acceptance of cryptocurrencies.

The Dangers of Single-Issue Voting

Supporting a candidate like Trump on a single issue like crypto means indirectly endorsing a range of other policies. When the industry donates $10 million to reinterpret the Howey Test, it’s also supporting policies like a “peace deal” on Ukraine, mass deportations, and opposition to abortion and transgender rights. 

Connecting too tightly with Trump might lead to unexpected challenges. The resistance from the Biden Administration and the Securities and Exchange Commission in recent years has been tough on the crypto sector. Linking the destiny of cryptocurrency to a divisive personality such as Trump could invite an array of additional risks.

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2024-11-05 13:12