Can We Stop Praising Donald Trump Just Because He Likes Crypto?

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Author

Shira Lazar
July 28, 2024

Hey Alpha Fam! I am back from Greece and right back into the latest in the world of tech!

This past weekend, the Bitcoin2024 conference in Nashville was abuzz with “excitement,” especially when former President Donald Trump took the stage. The event, held at Music City Center, saw Trump promising to be “pro-Bitcoin” and “pro-innovation” if re-elected.

In a 51-minute speech, Trump vowed to keep all of the U.S. government's Bitcoin holdings, turning them into the core of a Strategic National Bitcoin Stockpile.

In 2019, Trump was pretty vocal about his dislike for crypto, even tweeting that Bitcoin’s value was “based on thin air.” Years later, he’s gone viral for pushing his own NFTs. Now, in the wake of the 2024 election, he's positioning himself as a champion of the crypto world. This turnaround seems more like a strategic move to win over a new voter base (mostly bros) who are quick to support anyone if it fits a path to regulation.

His campaign has even started accepting Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies for donations, aiming to build a "crypto army" to bolster his re-election bid. This move has been met with applause from many in the crypto community, who see it as a sign of mainstream acceptance.

But here's the thing: should we really be celebrating Trump's endorsement? The crypto space is filled with innovators and visionaries who are genuinely passionate about the technology’s potential to revolutionize finance. Praising Trump simply because he now supports crypto feels a bit disingenuous, especially when his support appears more politically motivated than anything else.

Instead of putting political figures on a pedestal for their convenient endorsements, let’s focus on the true pioneers of the industry who are driving real change. Crypto’s core principles of decentralization and financial freedom are what make it special, not the approval of a polarizing political figure.

While Democrats haven’t had a good relationship with the industry, it's inevitable that we are heading towards a more crypto-friendly path, wherever you fall on party lines. In a Coindesk op-ed, Tonya Evans shares that Kamala Harris “may not be appearing at Bitcoin Nashville this year alongside Donald Trump. But, if elected president, Harris could reshape the U.S.'s policy on digital assets.”

My hot take 🔥: It’s embarrassing every time there’s a big name that drops into the industry, the community is willing to put aside all personal values in order to get a selfie to promote on social  media. It’s very triggering to those who already don’t feel welcomed and don’t think this emerging tech space is inclusive. It just continues to feed into the narrative that this isn’t a space for everyone.

Shira Lazar

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This week, my company What's Trending launched the 'Creator Spotlight' series, powered by PRophet. I'm returning to my roots by interviewing content creators, and the first episode features comedian Adam Rose. Known for his iconic blue cardigan and viral dance videos, Rose discusses his journey from child actor to social media star. The interview covers his breakthrough on TikTok, the key to successful brand partnerships, advice to creators, and how he is building his own sustainable brand. Watch the full episode HERE, with new episodes dropping monthly.

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