Day two of the Bitcoin 2024 convention in Nashville was a whirlwind of insights, forecasts and political statements, reflecting the rising affect of Bitcoin throughout a number of sectors.
With notable figures reminiscent of Michael Saylor, Edward Snowden, and impartial presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. taking the stage, the second day of the occasion, July 26, was full of memorable moments and daring predictions. We gathered the highlights under.
Michael Saylor’s grand imaginative and prescient
MicroStrategy CEO Michael Saylor captivated the viewers along with his bold projections for the way forward for Bitcoin (BTC).
In his keynote speech, Saylor outlined situations the place Bitcoin’s market cap may attain $280 trillion by 2045, making up 7% of worldwide wealth within the course of. That, he argued, may elevate Bitcoin’s worth to an astonishing $49 million per coin. The present market cap of the main cryptocurrency is round $1.3 trillion.
Moreover, even in his conservative “bear case” state of affairs, Saylor claimed Bitcoin may nonetheless hit $3 million per coin, accounting for two% of worldwide wealth.
Underneath Saylor’s management, MicroStrategy has collected 226,331 Bitcoins, as of the top of June, now value roughly $15.4 billion.
Legislative silence from Lummis
Senator Cynthia Lummis, a staunch advocate for Bitcoin, additionally took the Bitcoin 2024 stage with fellow lawmaker Tim Scott to debate the crypto regulatory panorama.
Nevertheless, opposite to earlier experiences, Lummis didn’t announce new laws to determine Bitcoin as a strategic reserve asset for the U.S.
As an alternative, the Wyoming senator once more criticized the regulatory method being utilized by the U.S. Securities and Alternate Fee and highlighted the Republican Social gathering’s efforts to guard digital asset possession within the U.S.
Senator Scott, on his half, hinted at progressive makes use of of Bitcoin, reminiscent of creating “opportunity zones” to spur improvement in underserved areas.
Regardless of the shortage of latest legislative bulletins, the speeches from the 2 legislators underscored the political momentum behind Bitcoin, particularly with presidential elections across the nook.
Snowden’s cautionary notice
One other attention-grabbing speaker on Bitcoin 2024’s second day was whistleblower and privateness advocate Edward Snowden.
Talking nearly, the previous NSA contractor cautioned attendees concerning the allure offensive from politicians attempting to win over the crypto group for their very own agendas.
Snowden, who has been in exile in Russia since 2013, warned that many lawmakers are attempting to realize the help of Bitcoin fans with out genuinely aligning with their values.
He suggested attendees to have interaction with politicians on their phrases however to not change into overly connected to or misled by their guarantees.
They don’t seem to be our tribe. They don’t seem to be your persona. They’ve their very own pursuits, their very own values, their very own issues they’re chasing. Attempt to get what you want from them, however don’t give your self to them, even when it’s important to vote for them.
Edward Snowden, talking nearly at Bitcoin 2024 in Nashville
His message was clear: whereas political help could be helpful, the crypto group should stay vigilant and impartial.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s daring guarantees
In one of many highlights of the day, impartial presidential candidate RFK promised to designate Bitcoin as a strategic reserve asset if elected.
His plan contains transferring greater than 200,000 BTC held by the federal government to the U.S. Treasury and initiating each day purchases to construct a reserve of 4 million Bitcoins.
RFK additional hinted that Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump — who’s scheduled to handle Bitcoin 2024 audiences later at present, July 27 — might announce his plan to authorize the U.S. authorities to purchase 1,000,000 Bitcoins as a strategic reserve asset if he wins the upcoming presidential elections.
Regardless of his daring proposals, which might mirror a dramatic shift in the direction of integrating Bitcoin into U.S. financial coverage, the most recent polls present that Kennedy nonetheless trails behind VP Kamala Harris and Donald Trump.
A July 23 Reuters/Ipsos ballot confirmed Harris main with 42%, Trump with 38%, and Kennedy with 8%.
Keep tuned for extra protection of Bitcoin 2024 at present because the occasion enters its third and last day. All eyes shall be on Trump’s keynote speech, which is scheduled for 2pm ET.