Why Would Argentine President Javier Milei Protect Kelsier's Hayden Davis? - Ep. 787

30 snips

Feb 21, 2025

Danny Nelson, managing editor for data & tokens at CoinDesk, digs into the explosive $LIBRA token scandal involving Argentine President Javier Milei and Hayden Davis. He reveals how Davis boasted about his closeness to Milei, raising questions about political corruption and insider trading. The conversation explores whether Milei is protecting Davis or is merely an unwitting pawn. With allegations of bribery and potential legal repercussions, Nelson discusses the scandal's implications for memecoins and their future in the crypto landscape.

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ANECDOTE

Davis's Bragging

Hayden Davis bragged about controlling Argentine President Javier Milei.
Davis claimed to influence Milei through payments to his sister, Karina.

INSIGHT

Meme Coin Culture

Davis's brazen behavior reflects a segment of the meme coin community.
This group focuses on value extraction, often through insider trading and early access.

INSIGHT

Karina Milei's Role

Karina Milei, Javier Milei's sister, acts as a gatekeeper in his administration.
Davis claimed to have sent her money, suggesting potential bribery, though unproven.

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What started as another scammy memecoin launch has spiraled into one of Argentina’s biggest political scandals.

The $LIBRA token, promoted by President Javier Milei and tied to Hayden Davis of Kelsier Ventures, is now at the center of multiple investigations—with allegations of bribery, insider trading, and political corruption. Some are calling it “CryptoGate.”

Did Davis really have influence over Milei? Was the president’s sister involved in pay-to-play politics? Could Davis and Milei face legal action?

This week, Danny Nelson, managing editor for data & tokens at CoinDesk, joins to reveal what his reporting uncovered, from secret deals to political fallout—and why this scandal could change how people see memecoins forever.

Show highlights:

1:47 How Hayden Davis was bragging about his connection to the Argentine presidency
9:15 Why Karina Milei holds the keys to her brother
11:31 Whether Milei is trying to protect Davis
16:22 Whether Milei was an ignorant victim or a more knowledgeable participant in $LIBRA
18:46 What charges Davis could face in the U.S.
22:00 Why Danny thinks Jupiter is taking the right step
24:34 Whether a memecoin such as $LIBRA could be considered a security
29:32 What Davis should do with the $100 million in his possession
33:40 Whether memecoins are now dead
38:41 What the future of Pump.fun looks like

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