Key Insights
- Trump raised $21 million at the Bitcoin 2024 conference in Nashville, marking his second-highest fundraiser and first major candidate appearance at a crypto event.
- The former president has pledged to reform crypto regulations, create a strategic bitcoin reserve, and fire SEC Chairman Gary Gensler if elected.
NASHVILLE (MarketsXplora) – Former President Donald J. Trump raised $21 million at the Bitcoin 2024 conference in Nashville on Saturday, marking a significant milestone in his courtship of the cryptocurrency industry, according to Bitcoin Magazine CEO David Bailey.
The fundraiser, partly organized by Senator Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), followed Trump’s keynote speech at the conference and was reportedly his “second highest fundraiser ever,” attended by approximately 100 individuals.
Trump, the first major candidate to address a cryptocurrency conference, has been actively wooing the crypto vote with promises of regulatory reform. An RSVP invitation seen by The Block revealed that a “roundtable” with the former president was priced at $844,600 per person, while a photo opportunity cost at least $60,000.
Notable attendees reportedly included Gemini co-founders Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss, along with celebrities Kid Rock, Jake Paul, and Billy Ray Cyrus, according to Fox journalist Eleanor Terrett.
Prior to the conference, Trump’s campaign had already raised $4 million in crypto donations since May, with over $2.15 million coming from just 19 donors. This brings his total crypto-related fundraising to approximately $25 million, a figure Trump mentioned during his speech.
The former president’s embrace of cryptocurrency marks a shift from his previous stance. He now pledges to create a strategic bitcoin reserve and has vowed to fire SEC Chairman Gary Gensler, known for his crypto-skeptical views.
Industry leaders have responded positively, with Kraken’s Jesse Powell and the Winklevoss brothers each donating at least $1 million to Trump’s campaign in recent weeks.
This surge in crypto support comes as the industry faces what some view as an existential moment in U.S. politics. Ryan Selkis, former Messari CEO, told The Block, “If Dems win, it’s over for crypto in the U.S.”
Meanwhile, the crypto-focused super PAC Fairshake has amassed over $202 million to support pro-crypto politicians across party lines.
Trump’s campaign has raised a total of $221 million to date, with $128 million cash on hand, according to Federal Election Commission filings.