Despite recent reports and rising speculation, Elon Musk has denied engaging in any discussions about cryptocurrency policy with presidential candidate Donald Trump. Musk clarified his stance in a social media post, emphasizing his support for decentralized financial systems.
Elon Musk Denies Crypto Talks with Trump, Emphasizes Support for Decentralization; Trump Courts Crypto Industry
His remark follows Bloomberg's May 30 reports (via Crypto News) that the two have discussed cryptocurrencies. Trump has emphasized Bitcoin and other digital assets on the campaign trail to appeal to a broader range of voters.
"Pretty sure I've never discussed crypto with Trump, although I am generally in favor of things that shift power from government to the people, which crypto can do," Musk said in an X post.
Recently, Trump has actively courted the cryptocurrency industry through several pro-cryptocurrency actions. Last week, he expressed support for cryptocurrency companies, stating that he is "extremely optimistic and receptive." Furthermore, he made a solemn commitment to commute the sentence of Ross Ulbricht, the convicted founder of Silk Road, an online marketplace notorious for the sale of illicit drugs and hacking tools in exchange for virtual currencies.
Adding to the strength of his position, his campaign has begun to receive cryptocurrency donations.
Trump stated earlier this month that, if re-elected, he would cease his hostility toward the cryptocurrency industry in the United States.
"Well, we'll stop it because I don't want that," he said. "If we're going to embrace it, we have to let them be."
Elon Musk's Influence on Crypto Markets Could Make Him a Key Ally for Trump's Campaign
Elon Musk has not hesitated to use his influence to cause commotion in the cryptocurrency market. He has instigated an upsurge in prices by employing a variety of strategies. His initial social media posts sparked a commotion concerning Dogecoin. Furthermore, he advocated for memecoins during a Saturday Night Live appearance, where he addressed the subject of cryptocurrencies.
His most playful strategy, however, may have been a fleeting Twitter update in April 2023. The application's home icon was temporarily replaced with an image of a Shiba Inu, Dogecoin's mascot dog breed.
Gateway. FM's CEO, Cuautemoc Weber, a provider of decentralized blockchain infrastructure nodes, remarked that despite Musk's denials regarding rumors that the two discussed crypto policy, the former president would unquestionably find the Tesla CEO a valuable ally. This acknowledgment arises from the realization that cryptocurrency has emerged as a substantial electoral issue.
"Trump's recent public endorsement of Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies represents a significant departure from traditional presidential monetary policies, which would align with Musk's 'anti-establishment' mindset," Weber told Crypto News.
Additionally, he asserted that Trump is aware of the possible importance of this matter in guaranteeing his re-election. Collaborating with Musk might bolster Trump's attractiveness to technologically proficient voters, capitalizing on Musk's sway to amass backing.
"Aligning with a prominent industry figure like Musk could lend credibility to potential Trump-led regulations and policies around cryptocurrencies," Weber said. "This pairing could definitely resonate with crypto enthusiasts, particularly in the context of disrupting the traditional, legacy financial system."
Photo: Tesla Owners Club Belgium, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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