Supply Shock How Bitcoin Became Trump’s Weapon | Ryan Selkis
May 21, 2025
Ryan Selkis, founder and CEO of Messari, known for his bold insights in the crypto world, shares his compelling journey. He discusses his whistleblowing about the Mt. Gox scandal and his surprising role in garnering support for Trump within the crypto space. The conversation dives into the aftermath of the FTX collapse and the evolving political landscape affecting crypto regulation. Selkis also reflects on the ethical challenges in cryptocurrency and the balance between profit and integrity as the industry navigates its turbulent future.
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Whistleblowing Mt. Gox Insolvency
- Ryan Selkis exposed Mt. Gox's insolvency by leaking internal documents before its bankruptcy.
- His whistleblowing revealed a $700 million loss of Bitcoin, marking an industry existential moment.
Organize Crypto Lobbying Efforts
- Build a unified crypto lobbying machine to prevent regulatory overreach like in the 2021 infrastructure bill.
- Coordinate policy efforts to increase industry influence and defend against harmful legislation.
Leading Post-FTX Policy Response
- Ryan Selkis led a crypto policy dinner post-FTX collapse to unite key stakeholders.
- He proposed a $100 million campaign, Project Leonidas, to save the industry politically.