Episode #82 - 🇺🇸🇿🇦 Bitcoin Hits Record Highs Amid Manufactured Civil Unrest

BitcoinHardTalk Episode 82
Host: Simon Dixon Date:
Date: 23rd May 2025
Duration: 2 hours 52 minutes

With Bitcoin once again reaching new all-time highs, new legislation is passed to push global Bitcoin and Stablecoin adoption. Meanwhile in Macro, the US and Japan debt crisis took centre stage and in geopolitics strategic tension is being built to entice violence, racial tensions and civil unrest as the geopolitical chess board continues to make its next moves to resolve the Israel / Iran proxy war over nuclear energy.

And just when you thought the theatre couldn’t get more scripted, President Trump rolled out the red carpet for South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa in what I call one of those classic “White House humiliation rituals”—a photo-op masquerading as diplomacy, where global leaders get summoned, patted on the head, and sent back home with a press kit and a polite reminder of who's still boss (for now).

So buckle up for BitcoinHardTalk Episode 82!

This Week in Bitcoin, Crypto & CBDCs
Bitcoin surged to a new all-time high of $111,894, marking a milestone in its historic ascent. Meanwhile, the U.S. advanced regulatory clarity with the passage of stablecoin legislation, and Texas approved a state-run Bitcoin strategic reserve. In another bullish signal, Bitcoin treasury offerings by public companies hit record levels, signaling institutional momentum is accelerating.

This Week in Macro
Markets were rocked by a spike in oil prices, triggered by escalating tensions as Israel threatened further conflict with Iran. The 20-year U.S. bond auction fell short, exposing cracks in global demand for American debt. Adding to the pressure, Moody’s downgraded the U.S. credit rating, and long-term bond yields surged—particularly in the U.S. and Japan—indicating rising risk aversion and stress across the global financial system. The proof-of-weapons macro framework appears to be entering a critical inflection point.

This Week in Geopolitics
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa made a high-profile visit to the White House, viewed by some as the latest installment in what critics are calling the “Trump humiliation ritual,” with potential implications for global alliances. Back home, political violence erupted in the U.S., coinciding with growing international pressure on Israel after 60 days of its siege strategy in Gaza. These developments feed into a tangled and high-stakes web of strategic escalation involving Iran, Israel, the U.S., EU, BRICS, and the GCC, all of which are reshaping the balance of global power.

Disclaimer 
The views expressed in this episode of BitcoinHardTalk are those of the host, Simon Dixon, and are provided for informational and educational purposes only. This episode contains commentary on global financial markets, geopolitical developments, Bitcoin, digital asset strategies, and macroeconomic trends. The content reflects personal opinions and interpretations based on publicly available data, independent research, and real-time analysis. Nothing in this podcast should be considered financial, investment, legal, or tax advice. Simon Dixon is not a licensed financial advisor, and listeners are encouraged to conduct their own research and seek professional guidance before making any investment decisions. Cryptocurrency investments, including Bitcoin, are highly volatile and carry risk. The episode may also contain references to public figures, geopolitical events, or institutional actions. These references are made for analysis and commentary only and do not imply endorsement or affiliation. Statements regarding companies, nations, or individuals should not be interpreted as factual claims beyond the scope of public discourse. By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge that you are solely responsible for any actions you take based on the information presented. Neither Simon Dixon nor any affiliates of BitcoinHardTalk accept liability for any financial or strategic decisions made by listeners.