When Trump met crypto

This Planet Money episode explores the intersection of Donald Trump and cryptocurrency, focusing on the Bitcoin 2025 conference in Las Vegas. The episode details Trump's evolving relationship with crypto, from initial skepticism to embracing it as a campaign issue and business opportunity. It covers the enthusiasm of the crypto community for Trump's pro-crypto stance, including his pledges to fire SEC chair Gary Gensler and pardon crypto figures like Ross Ulbricht. The podcast also examines the potential conflicts of interest arising from Trump's involvement in the crypto industry while running for president, as well as the broader implications of mainstreaming cryptocurrency with political endorsements. Additionally, the episode features interviews with attendees, crypto insiders, and critics, providing a balanced view of the opportunities and risks associated with this growing alliance.