What Next | Daily News and Analysis cover image

What Next | Daily News and Analysis

TBD | $Trump

Feb 23, 2025
David Yaffe-Bellany, a New York Times reporter specializing in cryptocurrency, dives into the intriguing intersection of Donald Trump and the crypto industry. He discusses Trump's launch of a meme coin and its mixed impacts on markets and investors. The conversation reveals the opulence of crypto events surrounding Trump’s inauguration and the backlash over potential conflicts of interest with family-linked currencies. Yaffe-Bellany also addresses the challenges of regulating crypto and the industry's struggle to regain trust post-collapse.
28:28

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The cryptocurrency community initially embraced Trump's presidency with hopes for deregulation, but soon faced disappointment following the controversial launch of meme coins.
  • Meme coins exemplify the volatility and speculative nature of cryptocurrency, driving profits for some while leaving other investors exposed to significant losses.

Deep dives

The Crypto Ball and Trump's Cryptocurrency Launch

A lavish event took place shortly before President Trump's inauguration, known as the crypto ball, attracting prominent figures from the cryptocurrency industry. Attendees celebrated with hopes that Trump would ease regulations on cryptocurrencies, as he had promised during his campaign. Meanwhile, Trump announced the launch of a new meme coin called 'Trump' right as the festivities unfolded, catching many industry executives off guard and leaving them frustrated as they missed the opportunity to invest early. This highlighted a divide between the realities of cryptocurrency trading and the celebratory atmosphere at the ball, contrasting speculators at home with the elite mingling at the event.

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