From Skeptic to Bitcoin Evangelist: How a Trio of Puerto Ricans “Orange-Pilled” Donald Trump
The 2024 Bitcoin Conference in Nashville saw a surprising turn of events, with former president Donald Trump, once dismissing the cryptocurrency as a “scam,” delivering a passionate speech about the virtues of bitcoin. The captivating performance was the culmination of months of behind-the-scenes work by a small group of dedicated crypto advocates, led by a trio of Puerto Rican residents: Amanda Fabiano, Tracy Hoyos-López, and David Bailey. They successfully navigated political circles, secured meetings with Trump, and ultimately, convinced him to become a vocal supporter of the crypto industry.
Key Takeaways:
- A trio of Puerto Ricans, Amanda Fabiano, Tracy Hoyos-López, and David Bailey, orchestrated Donald Trump’s shift to a Bitcoin advocate.
- Their approach included a combination of strategic outreach, direct engagement through roundtable discussions, and convincing Trump of the industry’s economic potential and voter base.
- Trump’s keynote address at the Bitcoin Conference underscored his stance on Bitcoin, pledging to keep U.S. government-held Bitcoin and vowing to fire SEC Chair Gary Gensler.
- Trump’s “orange-pilling” was a strategic move to attract donor money and garner support from the burgeoning Bitcoin community.
- The trio’s success underscores the growing influence of the Bitcoin industry and its potential impact on political landscapes.
The “Orange Pill” & a Strategic Alliance
The term “orange-pilled” stems from the iconic red pill scene in “The Matrix,” signifying a commitment to Bitcoin over traditional fiat currencies. In the case of Trump, it signifies a profound shift in his stance, driven by the trio’s efforts.
Fabiano, known as the “mining queen,” brought her expertise in Bitcoin mining, giving credibility to the group. Hoyos-López, a former California prosecutor, facilitated connections within Trump’s orbit. Bailey, CEO of media group BTC Inc., orchestrated the Nashville conference and managed communication with Trump’s campaign.
The trio’s strategy was built around highlighting the economic potential of Bitcoin mining. They understood that Trump’s interest in American energy independence and job creation could be tapped into by framing Bitcoin mining as a solution.
The Mar-a-Lago Roundtable: A Pivotal Moment
The success of the Mar-a-Lago meeting was crucial to Trump’s eventual shift. The carefully orchestrated roundtable brought together leading figures in the Bitcoin industry, including representatives from major mining companies like Riot Platforms, Marathon Digital Holdings, Terawulf, and Core Scientific.
The meeting focused on explaining the intricacies of Bitcoin mining and demonstrating its potential for job creation and economic growth. The attendees pledged $500,000 each to a fundraising committee, showcasing the industry’s financial clout and its willingness to invest in Trump’s campaign.
From Skeptic to Supporter: Trump’s Evolution
Trump’s journey from a Bitcoin skeptic to a vocal supporter was gradual but decisive. In April, he launched his first nonfungible token (NFT) collection on the Solana blockchain. In May, he became the first major presidential nominee to accept cryptocurrency donations.
As his support for Bitcoin solidified, he grew increasingly vocal in his defense of it, pledging to protect individual control over crypto and vowing to combat perceived government interference. By June, Trump was holding high-dollar fundraisers, attracting a tech-savvy crowd eager to invest in his campaign.
The Bitcoin Conference: A Trump Rally in Disguise
The Bitcoin Conference in Nashville served as a platform for Trump to solidify his pro-Bitcoin stance. His speech, delivered with his signature populist flair, was a clear message to the Bitcoin community, outlining his intentions to prioritize Bitcoin mining within the United States and ensure its future growth. He promised to fire SEC Chair Gary Gensler, who has been perceived as a critical figure in the regulatory crackdown on the crypto industry.
The conference provided a stage for Trump to directly engage with a community that views itself as increasingly vulnerable. His endorsement was seen as a vital lifeline against what they perceive as a hostile political climate.
A Strategic Alliance for a Shared Goal
The alliance between Trump and the Bitcoin community is a symbiotic one. The trio’s efforts to “orange-pill” Trump have not only secured a powerful ally for the industry but have also generated a significant source of revenue for his campaign. This strategic partnership highlights the increasing political influence of the cryptocurrency sector and the potential for this alliance to shape the future of financial and political landscapes.
The upcoming election is likely to be a test case for how far this alliance can go. Both sides stand to gain, and their success will hinge on their ability to translate this relationship into real political change. But one thing is clear: the trio’s efforts have irrevocably altered the trajectory of the Bitcoin movement in the United States, injecting a new level of political engagement into the cryptocurrency community.
