266: Crypto Politics: Unpacking Trump's Campaign Promises

Returning from our summer hiatus, Laura Walsh joins the show again this week as guest co-host as we dive into Crypto Politics by unpacking Donald Trump's campaign promises involving bitcoin and crypto.

Show Notes
Guest Profile

Laura and I worked together closely in the first two years of the Techstars Web3 accelerator, and she is a Techstars All-Star Mentor, advisor, founder, web3 O.G. and friend.

In this episode, Laura and I are diving into a hot topic that's been making waves in both the political and crypto spheres. As the 2024 presidential race heats up, Donald Trump has been making some bold promises regarding the future of crypto in the United States—from boosting Bitcoin mining to shaking up the regulatory landscape.

We take a close look at each of Trump's crypto promises, evaluating their feasibility and potential impact. We explore his claims about ending the so-called ‘crypto crackdown,’ his controversial pledge to fire SEC Chair Gary Gensler, and his ambitious goal of making the U.S. a dominant player in Bitcoin mining. We also discuss Trump's proposal to build a national Bitcoin stockpile and defend self-custody rights, along with his strong stance against the introduction of a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC).

But how much of this actually holds water? Can these promises be realistically fulfilled, or are they just campaign rhetoric designed to win over the crypto community? We break down each promise, tally up the results, and consider who in the tech and crypto space is lining up to support Trump—and why.

By the end of this episode, you’ll have a clearer picture of what’s at stake and whether these promises could shape the future of crypto in America, or if they’re just a play for votes. Jump right in as we unpack the reality behind the rhetoric.

TIMESTAMPS:

03:38 Debate Reactions and Crypto Politics

05:03 Trump's Bitcoin Conference Appearance

14:13 Crypto Regulation and Political Maneuvering

16:42 Trump's Crypto Crackdown and Mining Proposals

26:47 Crypto and Politics: A Misunderstood Relationship

29:01 Bitcoin Stockpile: A Baffling Proposal

34:12 Self Custody and Legislative Processes

35:49 The Controversy of Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs)

40:46 Ross Ulbricht: A Presidential Promise

42:17 Evaluating Trump's Crypto Promises

49:07 Final Thoughts and Farewell