Music City Center in Nashville hosted the biggest bitcoin conference of the year in late July, featuring former president Donald Trump as the headline speaker. Trump, who had previously called bitcoin a scam, delivered a speech praising the cryptocurrency and outlining his plans for the industry in a potential second term. He declared his desire for crypto to be “mined, minted and made in the USA,” signaling a shift in his stance towards the industry. Trump claimed to have raised $25 million in crypto-related funds for his campaign, although this figure has not been independently verified.
The transformation of Trump from a skeptic to a bitcoin evangelist was the result of efforts by a group of bitcoiners and crypto advocates, led by three individuals in Puerto Rico. Amanda Fabiano, Tracy Hoyos-López, and David Bailey worked behind the scenes to convince Trump of the value of bitcoin and eventually bring him to the Nashville conference. Through a series of meetings and interactions, they managed to persuade Trump of the benefits of embracing the crypto industry and securing his support for their cause.
During a roundtable meeting at Mar-a-Lago in Florida, Trump engaged with crypto executives and experts on topics related to bitcoin mining, energy deficits, and competition with China. This meeting helped solidify Trump’s interest in the industry and set the stage for his appearance in Nashville. The event in Nashville featured a wider set of industry participants, including well-known figures like the Winklevoss twins, Paul Grewal, and Howard Lutnick. Trump’s keynote address at the conference emphasized his support for bitcoin and his plans for the industry if elected.
The efforts of Fabiano, Hoyos-López, and Bailey culminated in their success in bringing Trump to the bitcoin conference in Nashville, a feat that they had once only dreamed of achieving. Their strategy involved assembling a group of industry leaders to showcase the importance of bitcoin mining and the potential economic benefits it could bring to the country. The goal was to convince Trump of the value of supporting the crypto industry and to secure his commitment to the cause if elected.
The stakes for the crypto industry are high in the upcoming election, with Democratic nominee Kamala Harris gaining momentum in the polls. Hoyos-López believes that the industry’s survival depends on Trump winning the election, as Harris’s stance on crypto remains uncertain. The group is now focused on rallying support from the crypto community and emphasizing the importance of voting as a way to ensure the industry’s continued success and growth.
After the conference, Fabiano, Hoyos-López, and Bailey reflected on their achievement at a restaurant in Puerto Rico, celebrating their success in bringing together industry leaders and generating support for the crypto cause. Their collaboration and determination to promote bitcoin mining and the crypto industry demonstrate the power of grassroots advocacy and community engagement in shaping political outcomes and influencing policy decisions.
