ilmscore | Trump’s Crypto Empire: What The Insiders Hold

Trump’s Crypto Empire: What The Insiders Hold

Predictions from this Video

Total: 147
Correct: 0
Incorrect: 0
Pending: 147
Unrated: 0
Prediction
Topic
Status
BitGo's IPO is expected to be approved due to a crypto-friendly SEC.
"BitGo is also planning an IPO which is likely to be approved thanks to the crypto friendly SEC."
WBTC
Pending
Howard Lutnik's position as Commerce Secretary will benefit Tether's investments in Bit Deer, Northern Data, and Rumble.
"Lutnik's political cover benefits Tether's investments like Bit Deer, the mining infrastructure developer Northern Data, in which Tether has a controlling stake, and Rumble, the video platform trying to challenge YouTube, which Tether has financed to the tune of $775 million."
USDT
Pending
Tether (USDT) will benefit from protection at Commerce, USDC from SEC clarity, and major banks will launch their own stablecoins due to new federal frameworks.
"USDT dominates through Lutnik's protection at commerce. USDC benefits from regulatory clarity at the SEC. And now with federal frameworks in place, mega banks like JP Morgan and Bank of America are rushing to launch their own dollar stable coins."
USDT
Pending
A new 'willfulness' standard for criminal prosecution will effectively decriminalize many DeFi activities and unregistered token sales.
"By raising the bar for criminal prosecution to willfulness, he's decriminalized huge portions of crypto activity. Centralized DeFi protocols operating without licenses are protected. Unregistered token sales are safe unless prosecutors can prove deliberate knowing violations."
DeFi Decriminalization
Pending
World Liberty Financial's past token sale, previously a potential securities fraud case, will likely not face prosecution under the new 'willfulness' standard.
"Under previous DOJ enforcement, that's a securities fraud enforcement action waiting to happen. But under Blanch's new willfulness standard, prosecutors would need to prove founders knew they were violating specific rules and intentionally did so. An almost impossible bar to clear."
World Liberty Financial Token Sale
Pending
The SEC's Project Crypto will create safe harbors for ICOs, airdrops, and network rewards, protect DeFi developers, and allow 'super apps' for crypto services.
"In practice, it creates safe harbors for ICOs, airdrops, and network rewards, protects DeFi developers from liability, and enables so-called super apps offering trading, staking, and lending under single licenses."
Project Crypto Impact
Pending
DeFi protocols like Ave, Compound, and MakerDAO will be able to operate more freely and serve US users without fear of enforcement.
"Ave and Compound can serve US users directly without fear. Make a DAO can expand D without stable coin enforcement concerns. Every DeFi blue chip benefits from this framework."
DeFi Protocol Operations
Pending
A proposed regulatory sandbox under Project Crypto will allow DeFi developers to launch novel business models without full compliance with current regulations.
"Project Crypto also proposes the creation of a regulatory sandbox that allows firms to bring novel business models to market without full compliance with existing regulations, which sounds like a get out of jail free card for DeFi devs."
Regulatory Sandbox for DeFi
Pending
Removing reputational risk for banks servicing crypto companies and classifying stablecoins as dollar instruments will unlock trillions in potential inflows.
"When banks can freely service crypto companies and stable coins receive blessing as dollar instruments, trillions in potential inflows are unlocked."
Bank Integration with Crypto
Pending
DeFi Total Value Locked (TVL) is projected to exceed $153 billion, with lending reaching $57 billion, driven by market pricing in regulatory certainty.
"Defi TVL has ripped past $153 billion, up 53% year to date, with lending making up $57 billion. These aren't random pumps. They're the market pricing in regulatory certainty for the first time ever."
DeFi TVL Growth
Pending
Venture capital investment in crypto reached $4.88 billion in Q1 2025, the highest point since 2022.
"Venture capital deployment into crypto hit $4.8 8 billion in Q1 2025, the highest level since 2022."
Venture Capital in Crypto
Pending
Crypto projects launched now have a guaranteed operational runway until 2029.
"Projects launching today have guaranteed runway until 2029."
Crypto Project Runway
Pending
BitGo's IPO is likely to be approved due to a crypto-friendly SEC.
"BitGo is also planning an IPO which is likely to be approved thanks to the crypto friendly SEC."
WBTC
Pending
USDC is expected to benefit from increased regulatory clarity provided by the SEC.
"USDC benefits from regulatory clarity at the SEC."
USDC
Pending
Coinbase is identified as a beneficiary of regulatory changes, allowing it to offer a wider range of services without needing complex state licenses.
"As for which projects benefit, well, Coinbase is an obvious winner because they can offer every service imaginable without complex state licenses."
COIN
Pending
There are positions held in Bitcoin mining companies and crypto-related fintech stocks.
"He also held positions in Bitcoin mining companies and crypto adjacent fintech stocks."
BTC
Pending
The circulation of stablecoins like USDT and USDC, backed by dollar reserves, is projected to create significant demand for US dollars and Treasury bills.
"Every USDT and USDC in circulation requires actual dollars in reserve. That's $165 billion in USDT alone. All creating demand for US dollars and US Treasury bills."
USDT
Pending
DOJ policies enacted under Todd Blanch are expected to directly benefit Trump's crypto ventures, such as World Liberty Financial, which previously raised $300 million through a governance token sale.
"Trump's former personal lawyer is now running DOJ policy that directly benefits Trump's crypto ventures like World Liberty Financial, which raised $300 million selling a governance token with questionable utility."
BTC
Pending
Founders Fund, co-founded by Peter Thiel, holds substantial crypto positions, including $200 million in BTC and ETH acquired in 2023.
"Teal's Founders Fund has massive crypto positions, having bought $200 million worth of BTC and ETH back in 2023."
BTC
Pending
Founders Fund possesses a 9.1% stake in Bitcoin miner Bitmine Immersion Technologies and supports other crypto startups.
"It also has a 9.1% stake in Bitcoin miner Bitmine Immersion Technologies and backing for crypto startups like the bullish exchange and Igloo Inc."
BTC
Pending
Tether (USDT) is predicted to maintain or increase its dominance in the stablecoin market.
"USDT dominance in stable coin markets is looking more robust than ever."
USDT
Pending
Bitcoin is likely to be designated as a strategic reserve asset, especially with key holders in positions within the Treasury and Vice Presidency.
"Bitcoin gets strategic reserve status while holders occupy the Treasury and the vice presidency."
BTC
Pending
USDC is expected to benefit from increased regulatory clarity provided by the SEC.
"USDC benefits from regulatory clarity at the SEC."
USDC
Pending
Tether's investments, including Bit Deer, Northern Data, and Rumble, are expected to benefit from the political influence of Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnik.
"Lutnik's political cover benefits Tether's investments like Bit Deer, the mining infrastructure developer Northern Data, in which Tether has a controlling stake, and Rumble, the video platform trying to challenge YouTube, which Tether has financed to the tune of $775 million."
USDT
Pending
DOJ policies enacted under Todd Blanch are expected to directly benefit Trump's crypto ventures, such as World Liberty Financial, which previously raised $300 million through a governance token sale.
"Trump's former personal lawyer is now running DOJ policy that directly benefits Trump's crypto ventures like World Liberty Financial, which raised $300 million selling a governance token with questionable utility."
BTC
Pending
Revolution Partners holds an investment in 'The Bitcoin Company,' a startup focused on Bitcoin investing and rewards.
"Revolution holds an investment in the Bitcoin company, a startup operating a Bitcoin investing and rewards app."
BTC
Pending
Founders Fund, co-founded by Peter Thiel, holds substantial crypto positions, including $200 million in BTC and ETH acquired in 2023.
"Teal's Founders Fund has massive crypto positions, having bought $200 million worth of BTC and ETH back in 2023."
BTC
Pending
Stablecoins are expected to receive federal frameworks, coinciding with the Commerce Secretary's involvement in their primary custodian.
"Stable coins get federal frameworks while their biggest custodian runs commerce."
USDT
Pending
Bitcoin is likely to be designated as a strategic reserve asset, especially with key holders in positions within the Treasury and Vice Presidency.
"Bitcoin gets strategic reserve status while holders occupy the Treasury and the vice presidency."
BTC
Pending
Caner Fitzgerald is the main custodian for Tether's reserves, earning tens of millions annually from managing these assets.
"His firm Caner Fitzgerald is the primary custodian for Tether's $165 billion in reserves. Caner earns tens of millions annually just from managing these massive reserves."
USDT
Pending
Caner Fitzgerald acted as the placing agent for Tether's $150 million investment in Bitcoin miner Bit Deer.
"When Tether made a $150 million investment into Bitcoin miner Bit deer, Caner Fitzgerald acted as the placing agent."
BTC
Pending
Tether (USDT) is predicted to maintain or increase its dominance in the stablecoin market.
"USDT's dominance in stable coin markets is looking more robust than ever."
USDT
Pending
Due to Bitcoin doubling in value, the Vice President's holdings could now be worth seven figures.
"BTC has since doubled in value, meaning that the VEP could be sitting on seven figures worth of sats."
BTC
Pending
BlackRock's tokenized money market fund on Ethereum, Bidd, is approaching a $3 billion market capitalization.
"Black Rockck's tokenized money market fund on Ethereum, Bidd is approaching a $3 billion market cap."
ETH
Pending
JD Vance's direct Bitcoin positions are noted as part of the financial landscape influencing crypto policy.
"From Sax's venture portfolio to Vance's direct Bitcoin positions to Lutnik's indirect Tether Stake."
BTC
Pending
Howard Lutnik's indirect stake in Tether is identified as a factor in the administration's crypto policy.
"From Sax's venture portfolio to Vance's direct Bitcoin positions to Lutnik's indirect Tether Stake."
USDT
Pending
Stablecoins are expected to receive federal frameworks, coinciding with the Commerce Secretary's involvement in their primary custodian.
"Stable coins get federal frameworks while their biggest custodian runs commerce."
USDT
Pending
Bitcoin is likely to be designated as a strategic reserve asset, especially with key holders in positions within the Treasury and Vice Presidency.
"Bitcoin gets strategic reserve status while holders occupy the Treasury and the vice presidency."
BTC
Pending
Todd Blanch's financial disclosures show holdings in BTC, ETH, ETC, MATIC, DOT, ADA, Quant, and BAT.
"Blanch's financial disclosures, meanwhile, reveal hundreds of thousands of dollars held in BTC and ETH, but also smaller positions, including Ethereum Classics ETC, Polygon's MATIC, now Pole, Polka Dot's DOT, Cardano's ADA, Quant, and the Brave Browser's Basic Attention Token or BAT."
ETC
Pending
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant's 2024 disclosures revealed hundreds of thousands of dollars in Bitcoin exposure through instruments like futures, options, and fund investments.
"Meanwhile, Treasury Secretary and former hedge fund manager Scott Besson's 2024 disclosure showed Bitcoin exposure in the hundreds of thousands through various instruments including futures, options, and fund investments."
BTC
Pending
The circulation of stablecoins like USDT and USDC, backed by dollar reserves, is projected to create significant demand for US dollars and Treasury bills.
"Every USDT and USDC in circulation requires actual dollars in reserve. That's $165 billion in USDT alone. All creating demand for US dollars and US Treasury bills."
USDC
Pending
USDC is expected to benefit from increased regulatory clarity provided by the SEC.
"USDC benefits from regulatory clarity at the SEC."
USDC
Pending
Vice President JD Vance's August 2024 financial disclosure revealed holdings of hundreds of thousands of dollars in Bitcoin.
"Vice President JD Vance, who also holds hundreds of thousands of dollars in Bitcoin, according to the August 2024 financial disclosure filed during his VP candidacy."
BTC
Pending
Founders Fund, co-founded by Peter Thiel, holds substantial crypto positions, including $200 million in BTC and ETH acquired in 2023.
"Meanwhile, Teal's Founders Fund has massive crypto positions, having bought $200 million worth of BTC and ETH back in 2023."
BTC
Pending
Founders Fund possesses a 9.1% stake in Bitcoin miner Bitmine Immersion Technologies and supports other crypto startups.
"It also has a 9.1% stake in Bitcoin miner Bitmine Immersion Technologies and backing for crypto startups like the bullish exchange and Igloo Inc."
BTC
Pending
BlackRock's tokenized money market fund on Ethereum, Bidd, is approaching a $3 billion market capitalization.
"Black Rockck's tokenized money market fund on Ethereum, Bidd is approaching a $3 billion market cap."
ETH
Pending
Stablecoins are expected to receive federal frameworks, coinciding with the Commerce Secretary's involvement in their primary custodian.
"Stable coins get federal frameworks while their biggest custodian runs commerce."
USDT
Pending
Bitcoin is likely to be designated as a strategic reserve asset, especially with key holders in positions within the Treasury and Vice Presidency.
"Bitcoin gets strategic reserve status while holders occupy the Treasury and the vice presidency."
BTC
Pending
DeFi Total Value Locked (TVL) is predicted to exceed $153 billion, with lending accounting for $57 billion, representing a 53% year-to-date increase.
"Defi TVL has ripped past $153 billion, up 53% year to date, with lending making up $57 billion."
DeFi Growth
Pending
Venture capital investment in crypto is projected to reach $4.88 billion in Q1 2025, marking the highest point since 2022.
"Venture capital deployment into crypto hit $4.8 8 billion in Q1 2025, the highest level since 2022."
Venture Capital in Crypto
Pending
Crypto projects launching now are expected to have a clear path to operate until 2029 due to regulatory certainty.
"Projects launching today have guaranteed runway until 2029."
Regulatory Certainty for Crypto Projects
Pending
Major banks, including JP Morgan and Bank of America, are anticipated to launch their own dollar stablecoins.
"mega banks like JP Morgan and Bank of America are rushing to launch their own dollar stable coins."
Mega Bank Stablecoin Launches
Pending
All major Decentralized Finance (DeFi) protocols are expected to benefit from the current regulatory framework.
"Every DeFi blue chip benefits from this framework."
Broader DeFi Protocol Impact
Pending
A proposed regulatory sandbox under 'Project Crypto' will allow DeFi developers to launch new business models without immediate full compliance with current regulations.
"Project Crypto also proposes the creation of a regulatory sandbox that allows firms to bring novel business models to market without full compliance with existing regulations, which sounds like a get out of jail free card for DeFi devs."
Regulatory Sandbox for DeFi
Pending
The Department of Justice (DOJ) will no longer pursue actions against platforms used by criminal enterprises in the crypto space, effectively providing a 'blank check' for DeFi.
"The memo states that the DOJ will pursue criminals but 'will not pursue actions against the platforms that these enterprises utilize, which is basically handing a blank check to DeFi.'"
DOJ Enforcement Shift for DeFi
Pending
A new standard requiring proof of willful intent for criminal prosecution is expected to decriminalize significant crypto activities, offering protection to unlicensed DeFi protocols and unregistered token sales.
"By raising the bar for criminal prosecution to willfulness, he's decriminalized huge portions of crypto activity. Centralized DeFi protocols operating without licenses are protected. Unregistered token sales are safe unless prosecutors can prove deliberate knowing violations."
Decentralized Finance (DeFi) Protocol Security
Pending
Aave and Compound are predicted to be able to serve US users directly without regulatory fear.
"Ave and Compound can serve US users directly without fear."
Aave and Compound Expansion
Pending
MakerDAO is expected to expand its operations without concerns related to stablecoin enforcement.
"Make a DAO can expand D without stable coin enforcement concerns."
MakerDAO Expansion
Pending
Each integration of traditional finance with digital assets is seen as a building block for a new financial architecture being constructed by the Trump administration.
"Each integration locks in another piece of the new financial architecture the Trump administration is building."
Financial Architecture Development
Pending
The current period of regulatory loosening in the crypto market is expected to lead to a phase of accumulation, followed by excess and eventual tightening.
"The playbook is always the same. Loosening leads to accumulation. Accumulation leads to excess. And excess leads to the inevitable tears and tightening."
Crypto Market Accumulation Phase
Pending
The SEC, under Paul Atkins, has declared that most crypto assets are not securities.
"Most crypto assets are not securities."
SEC Project Crypto Impact
Pending
Project Crypto is expected to create safe harbors for ICOs, airdrops, and network rewards, while also protecting DeFi developers and allowing 'super apps' to offer multiple financial services under a single license.
"In practice, it creates safe harbors for ICOs, airdrops, and network rewards, protects DeFi developers from liability, and enables so-called super apps offering trading, staking, and lending under single licenses."
Safe Harbors for Crypto Activities
Pending
The removal of reputational risk as a factor in bank examinations is predicted to enable banks to service crypto companies and stablecoins, potentially unlocking trillions in inflows.
"When banks can freely service crypto companies and stable coins receive blessing as dollar instruments, trillions in potential inflows are unlocked."
Bank Involvement in Crypto
Pending
Founders Fund possesses a 9.1% stake in Bitcoin miner Bitmine Immersion Technologies and supports other crypto startups.
"It also has a 9.1% stake in Bitcoin miner Bitmine Immersion Technologies and backing for crypto startups like the bullish exchange and Igloo Inc."
Founders Fund Crypto Startup Backing
Pending
Each integration of traditional finance with digital assets is seen as a building block for a new financial architecture being constructed by the Trump administration.
"Each integration locks in another piece of the new financial architecture the Trump administration is building."
New Financial Architecture
Pending
Decentralized Finance (DeFi) is anticipated to benefit from safe harbor provisions, as venture investors are involved in shaping the related regulations.
"DeFi gets safe harbors while venture investors write the regulations."
DeFi Regulation
Pending
Given the financial interests of policymakers in the crypto space, the market is predicted to favor those writing the rules.
"And when the people writing the rules have millions riding on the outcome, the house always wins."
Crypto Market Outlook
Pending
Promotional deals on crypto exchanges, including signup bonuses and fee discounts, are described as time-limited and should be utilized promptly.
"These deals won't be around for long, so take advantage of them ASAP using the link down below or the QR code on the screen."
Crypto Exchange Deals
Pending
Tether has provided $775 million in financing to Rumble, a video platform positioning itself as a competitor to YouTube.
"and Rumble, the video platform trying to challenge YouTube, which Tether has financed to the tune of $775 million."
Tether Financing of Rumble
Pending
BitGo's IPO is likely to be approved due to a crypto-friendly SEC.
"BitGo is also planning an IPO which is likely to be approved thanks to the crypto friendly SEC."
Crypto Friendly SEC Approval
Pending
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant is championing guidance that removes reputational risk from bank examinations, a move intended to remove barriers for banks engaging with the crypto industry.
"by issuing guidance ending reputational risk as a factor in bank examinations, the very tool used to keep banks away from crypto."
Treasury Guidance on Bank Examinations
Pending
JD Vance retains million-dollar stakes in funds managed by Nia Capital, a firm he co-founded with Peter Thiel, which is involved in influencing tech policy.
"Vance co-founded Nia Capital with Peter Teal, the PayPal billionaire who introduced Vance to Trump in 2021. They also co-founded the Rockbridge network together, a donor network designed to influence tech policy on the right. This isn't just a business partnership. its political architecture. Now, Vance retains million-dollar stakes in funds managed by NA Capital and Revolution Partners."
Nia Capital Investment
Pending
JD Vance holds million-dollar stakes in Revolution Partners, which has an investment in 'The Bitcoin Company,' a startup focused on Bitcoin investing and rewards.
"Vance retains million-dollar stakes in funds managed by NA Capital and Revolution Partners. According to watchdog group Accountable us, Revolution holds an investment in the Bitcoin company, a startup operating a Bitcoin investing and rewards app."
Revolution Partners Investment
Pending
The current market movements in crypto are attributed to the market pricing in regulatory certainty, a phenomenon described as occurring for the first time.
"These aren't random pumps. They're the market pricing in regulatory certainty for the first time ever."
Market Pricing Regulatory Certainty
Pending
Franklin Templeton is actively promoting its on-chain mutual funds.
"Franklin Templeton is shilling its onchain mutual funds."
Franklin Templeton On-Chain Funds
Pending
JP Morgan is continuing to expand its blockchain payment infrastructure.
"JP Morgan continues expanding blockchain payment infrastructure."
JP Morgan Blockchain Infrastructure
Pending
The Trump administration has appointed individuals whose personal financial interests are closely aligned with their policy responsibilities concerning crypto.
"Trump has assembled a cabinet where personal financial interests align uncannily with policy responsibilities."
Crypto Policy Alignment
Pending
Historical patterns suggest that periods of regulatory capture in the financial sector are temporary and will not last indefinitely.
"And history shows these windows of regulatory capture never stay open forever, believe it or not."
Regulatory Capture Window
Pending
The current situation in crypto is being compared to the dot-com era, which also experienced regulatory capture before its eventual crash.
"But the dot era saw similar regulatory capture before the crash."
Dot-com Bubble Parallel
Pending
The 2008 financial crisis is presented as a precedent, occurring after a period where banks had significant influence over their own regulations.
"The 2008 financial crisis also followed years of banks writing their own rules."
2008 Financial Crisis Parallel
Pending
The current administration's four-year term is expected to provide an unprecedented level of certainty for the crypto market.
"Right now, the administration's 4-year term provides something crypto has never had. Certainty."
Crypto Market Certainty
Pending
Investments in infrastructure, institutional products, and regulatory frameworks are being developed with a timeline aligned with the current administration's term.
"That's why infrastructure investments, institutional products, and regulatory frameworks are all being built on this timeline."
Infrastructure Investment Timeline
Pending
There is a recognized window of opportunity in the crypto market, leading to a rush of activity.
"Everyone knows the window, so everyone's rushing to get through it."
Crypto Market Window
Pending
David Sachs' venture portfolio is highlighted as a key element in understanding the financial interests within the administration's crypto policy.
"From Sax's venture portfolio to Vance's direct Bitcoin positions to Lutnik's indirect Tether Stake."
David Sachs' Crypto Holdings
Pending
The observed policy changes are described as coordinated efforts designed to benefit specific sectors within the cryptocurrency industry.
"What we're watching is coordinated policy changes benefiting specific sectors."
Policy Changes Benefiting Crypto Sectors
Pending
Decentralized Finance (DeFi) is anticipated to benefit from safe harbor provisions, as venture investors are involved in shaping the related regulations.
"DeFi gets safe harbors while venture investors write the regulations."
DeFi Safe Harbors and Regulation
Pending
The 2026 midterm elections could alter congressional dynamics, potentially leading to regulatory reversals if a different administration takes power.
"The 2026 midterms could shift congressional dynamics and regulatory reversal is always possible under a different administration."
2026 Midterm Elections Impact
Pending
Historical patterns suggest that periods of regulatory capture in the financial sector are temporary and will not last indefinitely.
"And history shows these windows of regulatory capture never stay open forever, believe it or not."
Regulatory Capture Duration
Pending
The current period of regulatory loosening in the crypto market is expected to lead to a phase of accumulation, followed by excess and eventual tightening.
"Loosening leads to accumulation. Accumulation leads to excess. And excess leads to the inevitable tears and tightening."
Crypto Market Cycle Prediction
Pending
Crypto projects launching now are expected to have a clear path to operate until 2029 due to regulatory certainty.
"Projects launching today have guaranteed runway until 2029."
Crypto Project Runway
Pending
Investments in infrastructure, institutional products, and regulatory frameworks are being developed with a timeline aligned with the current administration's term.
"That's why infrastructure investments, institutional products, and regulatory frameworks are all being built on this timeline."
Crypto Infrastructure Development
Pending
There is a recognized window of opportunity in the crypto market, leading to a rush of activity.
"Everyone knows the window, so everyone's rushing to get through it."
Crypto Market Window of Opportunity
Pending
Understanding the interplay between policy and crypto investments could lead to portfolio gains or losses, but provides insight into the beneficiaries of these policies.
"Your portfolio might thank you, or you might lose everything, but at least you'll know whose yacht you helped to pay for."
Policy Impact on Crypto Portfolios
Pending
The SEC's 'Project Crypto' is suggested to have the potential to increase the value of individual crypto holdings.
"check out this video to find out how the SEC's Project Crypto could pump yours, too."
SEC Project Crypto Potential
Pending
David Sachs received two ethics waivers from the White House, permitting him to work on policies directly connected to his financial holdings.
"Which is why the White House gave Saxs two ethics waivers that explicitly cleared him to work on policies directly related to his financial holdings."
David Sachs' Ethics Waivers
Pending
The justification for David Sachs' ethics waivers cited his indispensable expertise and stated his remaining financial interests were not substantial, representing less than 3.8% of total assets.
"The justification was that his expertise is 'indispensable' and his remaining interests, less than 3.8% of total assets, aren't 'substantial.'"
David Sachs' Expertise Justification
Pending
David Sachs' carried interest from Craft Ventures' crypto investments is estimated to be in the eight figures.
"Well, all right. It's probably 8 figures when you count the carried interest from Craft Ventures's crypto investments."
David Sachs' Carried Interest
Pending
The Office of Government Ethics lost its director shortly before ethics waivers were issued to David Sachs.
"Now, to be fair, Saxs isn't hiding any of this. He's been completely transparent about his holdings and his vision. He's betting that nobody cares because everyone's too busy getting rich to complain. And he's probably right. On that note, meanwhile, if you're looking to maximize your crypto gains, then check out the Coin Bureau deals page. That's where you'll find signup bonuses of up to $100,000, trading fee discounts of up to 50% and cash back on deposits of up to 75% on crypto exchanges. These deals won't be around for long, so take advantage of them ASAP using the link down below or the QR code on the screen. Moving on, and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnik has an even more brazen story. His firm Caner Fitzgerald is the primary custodian for Tether's $165 billion in reserves. Caner earns tens of millions annually just from managing these massive reserves. And within the past year, Caner has negotiated a 5% ownership stake in Tether valued at up to $600 million. They're also launching a $2 billion Bitcoin lending program, reportedly with Tether's backing. When Tether made a $150 million investment into Bitcoin miner Bit deer, Caner Fitzgerald acted as the placing agent. Now the obvious play here is USDT itself. With Lutnik in the White House, it could be protecting Tether from regulatory scrutiny, evidenced by the fact that USDT's dominance in stable coin markets is looking more robust than ever. But the second order effects matter more. Lutnik's political cover benefits Tether's investments like Bit Deer, the mining infrastructure developer Northern Data, in which Tether has a controlling stake, and Rumble, the video platform trying to challenge YouTube, which Tether has financed to the tune of $775 million. It can't hurt these companies that the commerce secretary is Howard Lutnik, can it? Now upon confirmation, Lutnik pledged to divest his business interests, handing control to his sons. His son Brandon, who interned at Tether's office in Switzerland, is now chairman of Caner. Convenient succession planning. Lutnik can claim he's divested while his family fortune remains tied directly to Tether's success. The commerce secretary is essentially Tether's man in Washington, positioned to champion stable coin favorable policies while potentially shielding his primary business partner from regulatory threats. Next up, we have Todd Blanch, who presents the wildest conflict of interest so far. Trump's former personal defense attorney is now deputy attorney general, the second most powerful position at the Department of Justice. This is the guy who stood beside Trump when he was convicted on 34 felony counts last year in his hush money trial. Blanch filed every appeal and now he's co-directing federal law enforcement priorities. One month after confirmation, Blanch issued a four-page memo entitled Ending Regulation by Prosecution. The memo fundamentally realigned the DOJ's approach to crypto. It declared that the DOJ 'is not a digital assets regulator' and ordered the immediate dissolution of the national cryptocurrency enforcement team. The memo also directed the market integrity and major frauds unit to cease crypto enforcement and prosecutors not to charge things like unlicensed money transmitting or unregistered securities offerings unless there's clear evidence of willful intent, which is a remarkably high bar. So now the criminal enforcement apparatus that pursued crypto crimes for years is gone. The specialized teams that understood blockchain forensics and DeFi exploits are disbanded. The memo states that the DOJ will pursue criminals but 'will not pursue actions against the platforms that these enterprises utilize, which is basically handing a blank check to DeFi. Blanch's financial disclosures, meanwhile, reveal hundreds of thousands of dollars held in BTC and ETH, but also smaller positions, including Ethereum Classics ETC, Polygon's MATIC, now Pole, Polka Dot's DOT, Cardano's ADA, Quant, and the Brave Browser's Basic Attention Token or BAT. But the real insight is less about Blanch's personal holdings and more about what his memo means for America's crypto industry. By raising the bar for criminal prosecution to willfulness, he's decriminalized huge portions of crypto activity. Centralized DeFi protocols operating without licenses are protected. Unregistered token sales are safe unless prosecutors can prove deliberate knowing violations. Also consider the broader context. Trump's former personal lawyer is now running DOJ policy that directly benefits Trump's crypto ventures like World Liberty Financial, which raised $300 million selling a governance token with questionable utility. Under previous DOJ enforcement, that's a securities fraud enforcement action waiting to happen. But under Blanch's new willfulness standard, prosecutors would need to prove founders knew they were violating specific rules and intentionally did so. An almost impossible bar to clear. Okay, next up, Paul Atkins, the new SEC chairman. After leaving his first role at the SEC in 2008, Atkins founded PTOAC Global Partners, a financial services consulting firm whose client list includes several major crypto exchanges and DeFi protocols, relationships that now benefit from his regulatory decisions. As SEC chairman, Atkins recently launched Project Crypto, declaring that 'Most crypto assets are not securities.' six words that undid years of regulatory ambiguity and unlocked the administration's entire crypto agenda. Now, the stated goal of Project Crypto is to modernize securities rules to help America's financial markets to move on chain, thereby cementing the US as the global leader in digital finance. In practice, it creates safe harbors for ICOs, airdrops, and network rewards, protects DeFi developers from liability, and enables so-called super apps offering trading, staking, and lending under single licenses. And if you want to find out what all of that means, then you can check out our full report on Project Crypto linked to in the description. Now, under Atkins, SEC crypto enforcement actions have fallen off a cliff. The commission disbanded its crypto assets and cyber unit and Wells notices from the Gendler era have been withdrawn for projects agreeing to lighter registration requirements. As for which projects benefit, well, Coinbase is an obvious winner because they can offer every service imaginable without complex state licenses. But the protocols themselves matter more. Ave and Compound can serve US users directly without fear. Make a DAO can expand D without stable coin enforcement concerns. Every DeFi blue chip benefits from this framework. Project Crypto also proposes the creation of a regulatory sandbox that allows firms to bring novel business models to market without full compliance with existing regulations, which sounds like a get out of jail free card for DeFi devs. Bullish. Meanwhile, Treasury Secretary and former hedge fund manager Scott Besson's 2024 disclosure showed Bitcoin exposure in the hundreds of thousands through various instruments including futures, options, and fund investments. He also held positions in Bitcoin mining companies and crypto adjacent fintech stocks. As Treasury Secretary, Scott Bessant is championing the Genius Act for stable coins while dismantling barriers between crypto and traditional banking. For example, by issuing guidance ending reputational risk as a factor in bank examinations, the very tool used to keep banks away from crypto. When banks can freely service crypto companies and stable coins receive blessing as dollar instruments, trillions in potential inflows are unlocked. And Bessant's background matters here. He made his fortune at Soros Fund Management, working for the man who broke the Bank of England by shorting the British pound in 1992. He understands speculative currency attacks better than anyone. So when Bessant looks at stable coins, he doesn't see a threat to dollar dominance. He sees an opportunity to extend it. Think about it. Every USDT and USDC in circulation requires actual dollars in reserve. That's $165 billion in USDT alone. All creating demand for US dollars and US Treasury bills. It's dollar hegemony on crypto rails and Bessant knows the game perfectly. The stable coin plays become obvious once you see them through this lens. USDT dominates through Lutnik's protection at commerce. USDC benefits from regulatory clarity at the SEC. And now with federal frameworks in place, mega banks like JP Morgan and Bank of America are rushing to launch their own dollar stable coins. Each one extends dollar hegemony further into the digital economy. And finally, we have Vice President JD Vance, who also holds hundreds of thousands of dollars in Bitcoin, according to the August 2024 financial disclosure filed during his VP candidacy. BTC has since doubled in value, meaning that the VEP could be sitting on seven figures worth of sats. Now he frames crypto as a 'hedge against bad policymaking from Washington' while his boss makes the policies in Washington. But the deeper story runs through his venture capital ties. Vance co-founded Nia Capital with Peter Teal, the PayPal billionaire who introduced Vance to Trump in 2021. They also co-founded the Rockbridge network together, a donor network designed to influence tech policy on the right. This isn't just a business partnership. its political architecture. Now, Vance retains million-dollar stakes in funds managed by NA Capital and Revolution Partners. According to watchdog group Accountable us, Revolution holds an investment in the Bitcoin company, a startup operating a Bitcoin investing and rewards app. This creates a direct link between Vance's venture fund stakes and the crypto market he promotes from the White House. Meanwhile, Teal's Founders Fund has massive crypto positions, having bought $200 million worth of BTC and ETH back in 2023. It also has a 9.1% stake in Bitcoin miner Bitmine Immersion Technologies and backing for crypto startups like the bullish exchange and Igloo Inc. Okay, so now let's look at how these appointments interconnect. When a DeFi protocol launches today, it enters a world overseen by officials with direct stakes in its success. Atkins declaring that most cryptos aren't securities removes the existential threat that hung over every project. Blanch's DOJ memo requiring willful violations essentially decriminalizes most regulatory breaches. Bessant removing reputational risk from bank examinations opens the TRDFI floodgates. Now, the market understands this perfectly, which is why we're seeing such dramatic moves. Defi TVL has ripped past $153 billion, up 53% year to date, with lending making up $57 billion. These aren't random pumps. They're the market pricing in regulatory certainty for the first time ever. And it's not just cryptonative money moving. Venture capital deployment into crypto hit $4.8 8 billion in Q1 2025, the highest level since 2022. And Tradfi integration is only accelerating. Black Rockck's tokenized money market fund on Ethereum, Bidd is approaching a $3 billion market cap. Franklin Templeton is shilling its onchain mutual funds. JP Morgan continues expanding blockchain payment infrastructure. Each integration locks in another piece of the new financial architecture the Trump administration is building. Trump has assembled a cabinet where personal financial interests align uncannily with policy responsibilities. Financial disclosures give us a glimpse behind the curtain. From Sax's venture portfolio to Vance's direct Bitcoin positions to Lutnik's indirect Tether Stake. What we're watching is coordinated policy changes benefiting specific sectors. Stable coins get federal frameworks while their biggest custodian runs commerce. DeFi gets safe harbors while venture investors write the regulations. Bitcoin gets strategic reserve status while holders occupy the Treasury and the vice presidency. Now, of course, this cozy arrangement comes with an expiry date. The 2026 midterms could shift congressional dynamics and regulatory reversal is always possible under a different administration. And history shows these windows of regulatory capture never stay open forever, believe it or not. But the dot era saw similar regulatory capture before the crash. The 2008 financial crisis also followed years of banks writing their own rules. The playbook is always the same. Loosening leads to accumulation. Accumulation leads to excess. And excess leads to the inevitable tears and tightening. But that's a future problem. Right now, the administration's 4-year term provides something crypto has never had. Certainty. Projects launching today have guaranteed runway until 2029. That's why infrastructure investments, institutional products, and regulatory frameworks are all being built on this timeline. Everyone knows the window, so everyone's rushing to get through it. And when the people writing the rules have millions riding on the outcome, the house always wins. So the least we can do is understand the game. Watch their portfolios, monitor their policies, track the capital flows. Your portfolio might thank you, or you might lose everything, but at least you'll know whose yacht you helped to pay for. Anyway, if you enjoyed learning about Washington's bag pumpers and chief, then check out this video to find out how the SEC's Project Crypto could pump yours, too. Now, there's a sentence I never thought I would say. Okay, that's all from me for now. As always, thank you for watching and I'll see you next time. This is Guy. Over and out."
Office of Government Ethics Director Vacancy
Pending
Brandon Lutnik, who previously interned at Tether, has become the chairman of Caner, indicating a family succession plan.
"His son Brandon, who interned at Tether's office in Switzerland, is now chairman of Caner. Convenient succession planning."
Brandon Lutnik's Role
Pending
Todd Blanch issued a memo titled 'Ending Regulation by Prosecution' one month after his confirmation.
"One month after confirmation, Blanch issued a four-page memo entitled Ending Regulation by Prosecution."
Todd Blanch's Memo Title
Pending
The DOJ has declared itself not to be a digital assets regulator and has ordered the immediate dissolution of its national cryptocurrency enforcement team.
"It declared that the DOJ 'is not a digital assets regulator' and ordered the immediate dissolution of the national cryptocurrency enforcement team."
DOJ Dissolution of National Cryptocurrency Enforcement Team
Pending
The market integrity and major frauds unit is directed to stop crypto enforcement, and prosecutors are advised against charging unlicensed money transmitting or unregistered securities offerings without clear evidence of willful intent.
"The memo also directed the market integrity and major frauds unit to cease crypto enforcement and prosecutors not to charge things like unlicensed money transmitting or unregistered securities offerings unless there's clear evidence of willful intent, which is a remarkably high bar."
DOJ Enforcement Unit Directives
Pending
Specialized teams focused on blockchain forensics and DeFi exploits have been disbanded.
"The specialized teams that understood blockchain forensics and DeFi exploits are disbanded."
Disbandment of Specialized Crypto Teams
Pending
The DOJ will pursue criminals but will not take action against the platforms they use, effectively giving DeFi a 'blank check'.
"The memo states that the DOJ will pursue criminals but 'will not pursue actions against the platforms that these enterprises utilize, which is basically handing a blank check to DeFi.'"
DOJ Policy on Crypto Platforms
Pending
Increasing the threshold for criminal prosecution to 'willfulness' is expected to decriminalize a large amount of crypto activity.
"By raising the bar for criminal prosecution to willfulness, he's decriminalized huge portions of crypto activity."
Decriminalization of Crypto Activity
Pending
DeFi protocols operating without licenses will be protected, and unregistered token sales will be considered safe unless deliberate, knowing violations can be proven by prosecutors.
"Centralized DeFi protocols operating without licenses are protected. Unregistered token sales are safe unless prosecutors can prove deliberate knowing violations."
Protection for Unlicensed DeFi Protocols
Pending
Under Todd Blanch's new standard, prosecuting World Liberty Financial for its token sale would require proving founders intentionally violated specific rules, making it nearly impossible.
"Under previous DOJ enforcement, that's a securities fraud enforcement action waiting to happen. But under Blanch's new willfulness standard, prosecutors would need to prove founders knew they were violating specific rules and intentionally did so. An almost impossible bar to clear."
World Liberty Financial Token Sale Scrutiny
Pending
Paul Atkins' consulting firm, PTOAC Global Partners, has major crypto exchanges and DeFi protocols as clients, benefiting from his current regulatory decisions.
"After leaving his first role at the SEC in 2008, Atkins founded PTOAC Global Partners, a financial services consulting firm whose client list includes several major crypto exchanges and DeFi protocols, relationships that now benefit from his regulatory decisions."
Paul Atkins' Consulting Firm Clients
Pending
The primary objective of Project Crypto is to update securities regulations to facilitate the on-chain transition of US financial markets and establish the US as a leader in digital finance.
"The stated goal of Project Crypto is to modernize securities rules to help America's financial markets to move on chain, thereby cementing the US as the global leader in digital finance."
Project Crypto Goal
Pending
Wells notices issued during the Gendler era have been withdrawn for projects that agree to less stringent registration requirements, following the disbandment of the SEC's crypto assets and cyber unit.
"The commission disbanded its crypto assets and cyber unit and Wells notices from the Gendler era have been withdrawn for projects agreeing to lighter registration requirements."
Withdrawal of Wells Notices
Pending
Aave and Compound are predicted to be able to serve US users directly without regulatory fear.
"Ave and Compound can serve US users directly without fear."
Aave and Compound Service Expansion
Pending
MakerDAO is expected to expand its operations without concerns related to stablecoin enforcement.
"Make a DAO can expand D without stable coin enforcement concerns."
MakerDAO Expansion without Enforcement Concerns
Pending
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant is actively promoting the Genius Act for stablecoins and working to reduce barriers between the crypto and traditional banking sectors.
"As Treasury Secretary, Scott Bessant is championing the Genius Act for stable coins while dismantling barriers between crypto and traditional banking."
Scott Bessant's Genius Act Advocacy
Pending
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant is championing guidance that removes reputational risk from bank examinations, a move intended to remove barriers for banks engaging with the crypto industry.
"For example, by issuing guidance ending reputational risk as a factor in bank examinations, the very tool used to keep banks away from crypto."
Removal of Reputational Risk in Bank Exams
Pending
The removal of reputational risk as a factor in bank examinations is predicted to enable banks to service crypto companies and stablecoins, potentially unlocking trillions in inflows.
"When banks can freely service crypto companies and stable coins receive blessing as dollar instruments, trillions in potential inflows are unlocked."
Impact of Bank Serviceability for Crypto
Pending
Scott Bessant's experience at Soros Fund Management, including working under George Soros during the 1992 currency crisis, gives him a deep understanding of speculative currency attacks.
"And Bessant's background matters here. He made his fortune at Soros Fund Management, working for the man who broke the Bank of England by shorting the British pound in 1992. He understands speculative currency attacks better than anyone."
Scott Bessant's Financial Background
Pending
Scott Bessant views stablecoins not as a threat to dollar dominance, but as an opportunity to extend it.
"So when Bessant looks at stable coins, he doesn't see a threat to dollar dominance. He sees an opportunity to extend it."
Stablecoin Strategy for Dollar Hegemony
Pending
Stablecoins are seen as a mechanism to extend dollar hegemony through the use of cryptocurrency infrastructure, a strategy well understood by Scott Bessant.
"It's dollar hegemony on crypto rails and Bessant knows the game perfectly. The stable coin plays become obvious once you see them through this lens."
Dollar Hegemony on Crypto Rails
Pending
Major banks, including JP Morgan and Bank of America, are anticipated to launch their own dollar stablecoins.
"mega banks like JP Morgan and Bank of America are rushing to launch their own dollar stable coins."
Mega Bank Stablecoin Launches
Pending
The launch of stablecoins by mega banks is seen as an extension of dollar hegemony into the digital economy.
"Each one extends dollar hegemony further into the digital economy."
Dollar Hegemony in Digital Economy
Pending
JD Vance characterizes crypto as a hedge against unfavorable government policies originating from Washington, D.C.
"Now he frames crypto as a 'hedge against bad policymaking from Washington' while his boss makes the policies in Washington."
JD Vance's Crypto Framing
Pending
JD Vance co-founded Nia Capital with Peter Thiel, who previously introduced Vance to Donald Trump.
"Vance co-founded Nia Capital with Peter Teal, the PayPal billionaire who introduced Vance to Trump in 2021."
Nia Capital and Peter Thiel Partnership
Pending
JD Vance and Peter Thiel co-founded the Rockbridge network, a donor group aimed at influencing right-leaning tech policy.
"They also co-founded the Rockbridge network together, a donor network designed to influence tech policy on the right."
Rockbridge Network Co-founding
Pending
JD Vance holds million-dollar stakes in funds managed by Nia Capital and Revolution Partners.
"Now, Vance retains million-dollar stakes in funds managed by NA Capital and Revolution Partners."
JD Vance's Venture Fund Stakes
Pending
The current appointments in the crypto space are interconnected, with officials overseeing DeFi protocols having direct financial stakes in their success.
"Now let's look at how these appointments interconnect. When a DeFi protocol launches today, it enters a world overseen by officials with direct stakes in its success."
Interconnectedness of Crypto Appointments
Pending
SEC Chairman Paul Atkins' statement that most crypto assets are not securities is expected to alleviate a significant existential threat to crypto projects.
"Atkins declaring that most cryptos aren't securities removes the existential threat that hung over every project."
SEC Declaration on Crypto Assets
Pending
Todd Blanch's DOJ memo, which requires proof of willful violations, is seen as effectively decriminalizing most regulatory breaches in the crypto space.
"Blanch's DOJ memo requiring willful violations essentially decriminalizes most regulatory breaches."
DOJ Memo on Regulatory Breaches
Pending
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant's action to remove reputational risk from bank examinations is expected to open up the financial sector to the crypto industry.
"Bessant removing reputational risk from bank examinations opens the TRDFI floodgates."
Treasury Action on Bank Floodgates
Pending
The market's understanding of regulatory certainty is driving the significant movements observed in the crypto space.
"Now, the market understands this perfectly, which is why we're seeing such dramatic moves."
Market Reaction to Regulatory Certainty
Pending
The lending sector within Decentralized Finance (DeFi) is projected to account for $57 billion of the total market value.
"with lending making up $57 billion."
DeFi Lending Market Size
Pending
The integration of traditional finance (TradFi) into the crypto space is accelerating.
"And Tradfi integration is only accelerating."
Traditional Finance Integration
Pending
Franklin Templeton is actively promoting its on-chain mutual funds.
"Franklin Templeton is shilling its onchain mutual funds."
Franklin Templeton On-Chain Funds Promotion
Pending
JP Morgan is continuing to expand its blockchain payment infrastructure.
"JP Morgan continues expanding blockchain payment infrastructure."
JP Morgan Blockchain Expansion
Pending
The Trump administration has appointed individuals whose personal financial interests are closely aligned with their policy responsibilities concerning crypto.
"Trump has assembled a cabinet where personal financial interests align uncannily with policy responsibilities."
Trump Cabinet Alignment
Pending
Financial disclosures are providing insight into the personal financial interests of individuals within the administration related to crypto.
"Financial disclosures give us a glimpse behind the curtain."
Glimpse into Financial Disclosures
Pending
The observed policy changes are described as coordinated efforts designed to benefit specific sectors within the cryptocurrency industry.
"What we're watching is coordinated policy changes benefiting specific sectors."
Coordinated Policy Changes
Pending
Decentralized Finance (DeFi) is anticipated to benefit from safe harbor provisions, as venture investors are involved in shaping the related regulations.
"DeFi gets safe harbors while venture investors write the regulations."
DeFi Safe Harbors and Regulation
Pending
The 2026 midterm elections could alter congressional dynamics, potentially leading to regulatory reversals if a different administration takes power.
"The 2026 midterms could shift congressional dynamics and regulatory reversal is always possible under a different administration."
Midterm Elections and Regulatory Reversal
Pending
Historical patterns suggest that periods of regulatory capture in the financial sector are temporary and will not last indefinitely.
"And history shows these windows of regulatory capture never stay open forever, believe it or not."
Regulatory Capture as a Historical Pattern
Pending
The current situation in crypto is being compared to the dot-com era, which also experienced regulatory capture before its eventual crash.
"But the dot era saw similar regulatory capture before the crash."
Dot-com Era Regulatory Capture
Pending
The 2008 financial crisis is presented as a precedent, occurring after a period where banks had significant influence over their own regulations.
"The 2008 financial crisis also followed years of banks writing their own rules."
2008 Financial Crisis Precedent
Pending
Crypto projects launching now are expected to have a clear path to operate until 2029 due to regulatory certainty.
"Projects launching today have guaranteed runway until 2029."
Crypto Market Certainty Until 2029
Pending
Investments in infrastructure, institutional products, and regulatory frameworks are being developed with a timeline aligned with the current administration's term.
"That's why infrastructure investments, institutional products, and regulatory frameworks are all being built on this timeline."
Timeline for Crypto Infrastructure
Pending
There is a recognized window of opportunity in the crypto market, leading to a rush of activity.
"Everyone knows the window, so everyone's rushing to get through it."
Window of Opportunity in Crypto
Pending
It is advised to monitor the portfolios, policies, and capital flows of key figures to understand the beneficiaries of crypto-related policies.
"So the least we can do is understand the game. Watch their portfolios, monitor their policies, track the capital flows."
Understanding Crypto Policy Beneficiaries
Pending
Understanding the interplay between policy and crypto investments could lead to portfolio gains or losses, but provides insight into the beneficiaries of these policies.
"Your portfolio might thank you, or you might lose everything, but at least you'll know whose yacht you helped to pay for."
Potential Portfolio Outcomes
Pending
The SEC's 'Project Crypto' is suggested to have the potential to increase the value of individual crypto holdings.
"check out this video to find out how the SEC's Project Crypto could pump yours, too."
SEC Project Crypto Potential Impact
Pending