# Trump Hails Crypto at Largest Bitcoin Conference
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — In a bold declaration at the annual Bitcoin Conference, Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump positioned himself as a champion of cryptocurrency, vowing to elevate America to the forefront of the digital currency revolution. Drawing parallels to the steel industry of a century ago, Trump emphasized the transformative potential of bitcoin and other digital currencies, promising to make the United States “the crypto capital of the planet and bitcoin superpower of the world.”
Addressing a packed audience, Trump criticized the current administration's stance on cryptocurrency, asserting that the Biden administration has been detrimental to the crypto community. He pledged to replace Securities and Exchange Commission Chair Gary Gensler, whom he labeled as an adversary to the crypto movement, with a leader who would foster innovation rather than hinder it. “I will appoint an SEC chair who will build the future, not block the future,” he declared, eliciting enthusiastic applause from attendees.
Trump's remarks come amid a wave of endorsements from prominent figures in the crypto space, including Tesla CEO Elon Musk and the Winklevoss twins, who have been vocal advocates for bitcoin. His appearance at the conference marks a significant alignment with right-leaning tech influencers, and he acknowledged the audience's expertise, humorously noting, “Most people have no idea what the hell it is. So what happens when everyone figures it out? That’ll be something.”
Among his proposals, Trump suggested the creation of a national bitcoin “stockpile” to serve as a “permanent national asset.” While details were sparse, the idea has resonated with bitcoin supporters, including independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who recently proposed a similar initiative. Following Trump's speech, Senator Cynthia Lummis announced plans to introduce legislation for the proposed reserve.
Despite the excitement surrounding Trump's address, the price of bitcoin experienced a slight dip, possibly reflecting traders' expectations for a more concrete commitment regarding the reserve. The Bitcoin Conference, while officially apolitical, featured a lineup of Republican speakers, including several sitting senators. In contrast, California Rep. Ro Khanna, the only elected Democrat to speak, criticized his party's reluctance to embrace the crypto movement, advocating for a more progressive approach to digital currencies.
Khanna's comments echoed a growing sentiment among some Democrats, who have urged party leaders to adopt a more supportive stance towards cryptocurrency. In a follow-up interview, he emphasized the importance of engaging with the crypto community, which he described as passionate and mobilized.
While Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris declined an invitation to the conference, organizers expressed optimism about the potential for Democrats to connect with crypto supporters in the future. David Bailey, the conference head, noted that the political landscape is shifting, and all parties will need to engage with the growing crypto constituency.
Outside the venue, pro-Trump bitcoin supporters showcased their enthusiasm, with attendees expressing a desire for greater recognition of the crypto community's political power. As the landscape of digital currencies continues to evolve, Trump's embrace of bitcoin signals a significant moment in the intersection of politics and technology, highlighting the increasing importance of cryptocurrency in the American political discourse.