When Trump Encountered Cryptocurrency

Donald Trump Jr. was in the spotlight at The Bitcoin Conference held at The Venetian in Las Vegas on May 27, 2025. He was seen shaking hands with Chris Pavlovski, the CEO of Rumble Inc. This event marked a significant shift for the Trump family, who have moved from being skeptics of cryptocurrency to becoming active players in the crypto world.

In 2019, former President Trump expressed his disapproval of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. Fast forward to today, and the Trumps are now deeply involved in the crypto market. They have launched various initiatives, including memecoins associated with both Donald Trump and Melania Trump. Additionally, they own a stablecoin, run a bitcoin mining operation, and have established a crypto financial services company.

At the conference, Trump’s media group announced plans to raise $2.5 billion from investors to purchase bitcoin. This move highlights a notable shift in the family’s stance on cryptocurrencies, especially given the former president’s past comments.

The conference featured a lineup of prominent figures, including two White House advisors and the sons of the former president. This gathering raised questions about the blending of government and cryptocurrency, especially since the crypto community often champions independence from government oversight.

The event was covered by NPR’s Planet Money team, which included hosts and reporters who spent three days at the conference. They captured the atmosphere where some controversial figures received cheers, while calls for regulation were met with boos. This mix of politics and cryptocurrency at the conference showcased the evolving landscape of the crypto market, especially with the Trumps now at the forefront.

As the Trumps embrace the crypto world, many are left wondering what this means for the future of cryptocurrency and its relationship with politics. The conference served as a clear indication of this new chapter for the Trump family and their involvement in the rapidly changing crypto landscape.