In an interview published yesterday, former President Donald Trump said he will release a fourth NFT collection because “the people want me to do another one.” He called the previous collections “very successful.”
The statement made to Bloomberg comes after Mr. Trump previously told supporters at Mar-a-Lago that he “may release another but believes in supply and demand.” “One did great, two did great, three did great…but at some point maybe that turns around,” Trump said at the time.
The former president released his three collections between 2022 and 2023, making between $100,001 and $1 million from the sales according to a financial disclosure document. Supporters of Mr. Trump (and flippers looking to capitalize on the hype) have taken to the NFTs with enthusiasm, causing spikes in their values just after release.
The art of the NFTs has varied. The first two collections showed Mr. Trump in outlandish poses and outfits, including donning a superhero suit and a cowboy get-up. The third featured the Former President’s mugshot from his arrest in Georgia. Rewards for buying the NFTs have ranged from meet-and-greets with Mr. Trump himself to a literal piece of the suit and tie worn during his mugshot.
The Bloomberg interview took place two days before the former president’s debate against incumbent Joe Biden and two weeks before the assassination attempt against Mr. Trump in Pennsylvania. Despite being shot in the ear, Mr. Trump has resumed his campaign activities and will speak at a Bitcoin convention on July 27th.
Trump Solidifies Support in the Crypto Community
Crypto has long been a divisive issue within America, but that may be starting to change. On Monday, Mr. Trump announced his running mate: Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, who has a reputation for being a crypto advocate.
Serving in Congress since 2023, Vance has been an outspoken critic of Gary Gensler, saying that the SEC Chair’s approach to regulating crypto has been the opposite of what it should be. In addition, the junior senator has drafted legislation to revamp how the U.S. regulates digital assets. According to a 2022 financial disclosure report, he owns between $100,001 and $250,000 of bitcoin.
In the interview with Bloomberg, Former President Trump explained his pivot on crypto, which he had been publicly opposed to years ago. He says he’s “gotten to know” many industry leaders and calls them “top-flight people.” Of crypto itself, he said, “It’s not going away. It’s amazing.”
Although he called the crypto industry in the U.S. “a baby” and “an infant right now,” he doesn’t want to be the person responsible for allowing another country to take over “this sphere.” In particular he seemed concerned that China, which is “very much into it,” would “pick it up and…have it.” He also noted that the banking industry, which had also been against crypto for years, has changed its tune recently.
This pivot has led to support from U.S. crypto leaders. Jesse Powell of Kraken publicly expressed support for Trump and donated $1 million to his campaign. The Winklevoss twins, who run crypto exchange Gemini, have donated $500,000 to two Trump Super-PACs.
The Trump-Vance pairing is the first pro-crypto ticket in United States history. Will they win the election and the White House? Time will tell, and Rarity Sniper will keep an eye out to see if they do.
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