Bitcoin champions emerge in Washington and Wall Street

In 2025, more than 35,000 bitcoin enthusiasts gathered in Las Vegas for Bitcoin 2025, marking the largest assembly of its kind. This event reflected the growing enthusiasm for cryptocurrencies despite concerns over risks associated with their integration into the mainstream economy. Vice President JD Vance addressed the crowd, emphasizing the support from President Trump for cryptocurrency, claiming it has a champion in the White House. The rising interest in digital assets is also illustrated by Congress debating regulations on cryptocurrency trading, following significant financial contributions from the crypto industry to compliant political candidates. Amanda Fischer, a former official at the Securities and Exchange Commission, described cryptocurrencies as highly volatile, suggesting they could be seen as a form of gambling or investment. Amidst this backdrop, David Bailey, who runs the bitcoin conference and leads a bitcoin holding company called Nakamoto, expressed hopes for regulation in the sector, although he believed this was not accurately represented in the public narrative. Meanwhile, the Trump family's crypto ventures reportedly generated up to $765 million in revenue from token sales, raising questions about potential conflicts of interest influencing the administration's stance on digital currencies. The conversation around cryptocurrency continues to evolve, with financial innovations like using crypto as mortgage collateral being explored, alongside new executive orders easing the holding of cryptocurrencies in retirement accounts like 401(k)s. However, the volatility warned by Fischer remains a significant concern, leaving some to view the growing integration of cryptocurrencies into the economy with skepticism.