UnHerd with Freddie Sayers Crypto: What are the Trumps up to?
May 29, 2025
Ben Schiller, Managing Editor of Opinion at CoinDesk and a crypto industry expert, discusses the surprising pivot of Donald Trump towards cryptocurrency. They analyze Trump's newfound enthusiasm, his family's significant stake in crypto ventures, and the ethical implications of their involvement. Schiller highlights the launch of a $TRUMP memecoin and examines how political figures like JD Vance are shaping crypto regulations. The conversation raises questions about the intersection of politics and crypto, exploring whether this is a financial revolution or merely a strategic maneuver.
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Vance Champions Crypto's Promise
- Vice President J.D. Vance positioned crypto as a hedge against bad policymaking, inflation, and private sector discrimination.
- His administration vows to eliminate regulatory barriers crypto faced under previous governments.
Crypto's Political Leverage for Trump
- Trump's pivot from crypto skeptic to supporter was driven by political fundraising and voter mobilization opportunities.
- Crypto's backing helped Trump re-enter politics by appealing to young, previously disengaged voters.
Trump Team's Crypto Conflicts Arise
- Trump and his inner circle rapidly acquired major crypto investments, raising concerns of personal profit conflicts.
- These dealings intertwine private gain with public regulatory authority, blurring ethical lines.