With the US federal debt reaching an all-time high of $35 trillion, there is a growing interest in exploring cryptocurrency as a potential solution. Former President Donald Trump, who is rumored to be the next US president according to recent polls, has reportedly taken this exploration a step further by consulting Bitcoin expert David Bailey.
Bailey, who is both the head of Bitcoin Magazine and an expert in cryptocurrency consultancy for the Trump administration, disclosed that the former president asked him if Bitcoin could help reduce the nation's debt. Bailey indicated that although he had some solutions in mind, he wasn't ready to divulge them at the moment.
For the past month we have been working with the Trump campaign to develop their bitcoin and crypto policy agenda. We proposed a comprehensive executive order for President Trump to sign on day 1. I will be sharing those details soon. This week Trump took the first step, but…
— David Bailey🇵🇷 $0.65mm/btc is the floor (@DavidFBailey) May 11, 2024
Over the last month, Bailey and his team have been actively engaged with the Trump campaign, shaping their strategy concerning Bitcoin and cryptocurrency policies.
The news has caused quite a stir in the crypto community, as Trump's previous skepticism towards Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies contrasts sharply with his recent expressions of support. This shift is significant not only for the potential benefits it could bring to the crypto industry but also for the former president's political standing within the community.
In his address at the Libertarian Party Convention, Trump suggested a more advantageous regulatory atmosphere for Bitcoin and related digital assets.
Prominent crypto supporters' stance
The presidential candidate's supportive stance on cryptocurrency has garnered support from prominent figures within the crypto community. Notable personalities like Justin Sun, the founder of TRON, and Charles Hoskinson, co-founder of Cardano, have both expressed their endorsement for candidates who advocate for crypto-friendly policies. Mark Cuban, while not explicitly endorsing Trump, has criticized the current administration for its handling of crypto legislation.
Meanwhile, institutional support is increasing, with Coinbase forming a political action committee to promote pro-crypto candidates.
Despite receiving support, some members of the crypto community remain skeptical about Trump's endorsement of crypto. They argue that his interest in crypto is solely driven by his political ambition to become president. In response, Bailey clarified in a subsequent comment that the connection between Trump and Bitcoin is mutually beneficial.
Polymarket, a well-known crypto-based prediction platform, shows Donald Trump with a 56% chance of winning the election, while Biden stands at 37%. Supported by influential industry figures and pledging to establish more favorable regulations, Trump's potential return to office could have a major impact on the crypto industry.
The effect of Trump's crypto-friendly viewpoint
As the US Presidential elections approach, investors are closely watching the potential impact of Trump's pro-crypto stance on Bitcoin's price and market performance. At present, Bitcoin's value is $67,648 per unit. Its trading volume and total market capitalization are now recorded as $29.3 billion and $1.3 trillion, respectively.
Trump's previous skepticism towards Bitcoin, which was evident in his calls for stricter regulation and labeling it a scam, contrasts sharply with his recent pro-crypto stand. The former president, who once advocated for the protection of traditional financial systems, is now exploring the potential benefits of adopting Bitcoin to address the US debt crisis.
His personal crypto holdings are also significant, with his portfolio reportedly exceeding $10 million. The TRUMP memecoin, now worth $7.1 million, dominates his portfolio. He also holds $1.83 million in Ethereum, along with several smaller altcoins.
It is worth noting that the US federal debt, which currently stands at 122.30%, is significantly higher than it has been historically. Assessing a country's debt in relation to economic output can help determine the strength of that nation's financial position to repay its debts. This metric, known as the Debt-to-GDP ratio, indicates that the US is currently facing significant challenges in managing its debt.