Former United States president and current Republican candidate Donald Trump made a bold proclamation at the Bitcoin 2024 conference in Nashville, Tennessee, announcing his intention to make the United States the crypto capital of the world if elected in November.

Taking the stage an hour late, Trump addressed the crowd with great respect for the Bitcoin community, likening it to the early days of the steel industry. He expressed admiration for Bitcoin's technological marvel and described it as a miracle of cooperation and human achievement. Trump also predicted that Bitcoin would eventually surpass gold as a valuable asset.

The former president went on to discuss the energy usage of Bitcoin and artificial intelligence. He promised to increase fossil fuel-based electricity production to such an extent that the country would have an abundance of power. In line with this, Trump reiterated his plans to roll back federal incentives for electric vehicle and charging station manufacturers.

Emphasizing his suitability as the candidate for the cryptocurrency and Bitcoin communities, Trump assured the enthusiastic crowd that they would be extremely happy with his presidency. He urged them to support him and expressed his anticipation for the job he was about to undertake.

Another notable speaker at the Bitcoin 2024 conference was independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. He presented a Bitcoin-friendly day one policy plan if elected, which included an executive order to transfer the alleged 204,000 BTC held by the Federal Reserve into a strategic reserve. Kennedy also pledged to have the Treasury Department purchase 500 BTC daily until the federal reserve reaches at least four million BTC. This ambitious plan aimed to establish US dominance in the cryptocurrency landscape.

If Kennedy's aspirations came to fruition, the US government would control nearly 20% of all Bitcoin in circulation, solidifying its position as a global player in the cryptocurrency market.

In contrast to the politicians' speeches, whistleblower Edward Snowden offered a different perspective during his highly anticipated talk at the event. He cautioned the cryptocurrency community against blindly following politicians who view Bitcoin solely as a means to gain support from voters. Snowden urged his audience not to join such "cult-like" movements and instead encouraged them to remain proactive and critical when engaging with political figures.

Overall, the Bitcoin 2024 conference provided a platform for politicians and influencers to showcase their visions for the future of cryptocurrency. While some advocated for the United States to become a leading crypto hub, others emphasized the need for vigilance and critical thinking within the community. The conference highlighted the growing importance of digital currencies in shaping the political landscape and the need for informed decision-making.