High-Profile Speakers at Las Vegas Bitcoin Conference
Vice President JD Vance, along with two of President Donald Trump’s children, is set to headline a Bitcoin conference in Las Vegas this week. Unlike last year, when Trump himself spoke during his presidential campaign, he will not attend this time. Instead, Eric and Donald Trump Jr. will represent the family at the event. Among the notable speakers is Ross Ulbricht, the founder of the notorious digital marketplace “Silk Road,” who was recently pardoned after facing a life sentence for his role in facilitating illegal drug sales.
Ulbricht Expresses Gratitude for Presidential Pardon
Ross Ulbricht, now 41, expressed his appreciation for President Trump’s pardon through a video posted on X. His release in January was a pledge made to his Libertarian supporters, allowing him to avoid a life behind bars for his activities linked to Silk Road, which became infamous for its role in drug trafficking.
Controversial Figures Join the Lineup
Another speaker at the conference is Justin Sun, a polarizing figure in the crypto industry, currently facing allegations from the SEC regarding fraud and market manipulation. Despite these charges, the commission has paused its investigation to allow for potential settlement discussions. Sun has also made headlines for extravagant publicity stunts, including eating a banana worth $6.2 million, which adds to his controversial reputation.
Tech Executive Bryan Johnson’s Unique Perspective
Joining the lineup is Bryan Johnson, a tech entrepreneur who has invested heavily in anti-aging treatments. While he has shown support for Trump and even welcomed him personally last summer, he is not typically categorized as a staunch MAGA supporter.
Notable Figures from Trump’s Inner Circle
The conference will also feature David Sacks, a crypto czar from Netflix, alongside other notable MAGA figures such as Vivek Ramaswamy, who is currently running for governor in Ohio, Byron Donalds, a gubernatorial candidate in Florida backed by Trump, and Chris LaCivita, an advisor to the former president. The event is anticipated to attract around 30,000 attendees, with participation from over 5,000 companies and more than 400 speakers, solidifying its status as the largest cryptocurrency conference globally.
Trump Family’s Deepening Involvement in Cryptocurrency
The Trump family has significantly embraced cryptocurrency since Trump’s election victory, having reportedly amassed approximately $2.9 billion from various crypto investments. Much of this wealth is associated with a $Trump meme coin, which has faced criticism from figures like billionaire Mark Cuban, who labeled it a “scam” due to its lack of tangible utility.
Trump Media’s Ambitious Cryptocurrency Plans
Sources indicate that Trump Media & Technology Group is planning a substantial $3 billion investment in cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin. This investment strategy reportedly consists of $2 billion in new equity and an additional $1 billion via a convertible bond. However, a spokesperson from Trump’s company dismissed the Financial Times report, suggesting that it stemmed from unreliable sources.
Trump’s Evolving Stance on Bitcoin
Trump has expressed a desire to establish the U.S. as the “crypto capital of the world,” a position that coincides with a surge in various cryptocurrencies’ values. Bitcoin, often seen as a stable digital asset, recently reached a staggering peak of $109,000, a significant increase from the previous year’s low point when Trump characterized Bitcoin as a “scam” due to its competition with the dollar.
Private Gala Raises Ethical Concerns
Trump’s changing attitude towards Bitcoin has been evident as he prepares for the upcoming 2024 election, with his son Donald Trump Jr. reportedly advising him on the potential of cryptocurrencies. Recently, Trump hosted a private dinner for significant investors in his memecoin, which was closed to the media and public, prompting renewed scrutiny from Democrats regarding potential conflicts of interest linked to his crypto investments. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the event, clarifying that it occurred during Trump’s personal time, not his presidential duties. Nevertheless, some attendees expressed disappointment with the event, describing the service quality as lacking and noting that Trump was largely disengaged from the majority of guests.
