Opinion: Pauline Shangett, Chief Strategy Officer at Changenow
Bitcoin’s optimism is naturally rising. US President Donald Trump’s trade agreement with the UK provides a shock of trust in the global market, with Bitcoin (BTC) benefiting as the ultimate borderless asset.
But what unfolds behind the offensive push for the Trump administration to deregulate the crypto industry is a unifying power that ignores many and supports the minority.
Cryptocurrency was designed for everyday people. This is someone who had enough of an opaque financial system that prioritized profits over people’s interests. Bitcoin emerged from the ashes of the 2008 financial crisis as a fundamental experiment in financial sovereignty rather than a practice that empowers hedge funds and political elites.
That’s exactly what’s happening. The Trump administration has taken steps to quickly curb the industry behind the crypto-friendly agenda. His family’s crypto venture, World Liberty Financial, is a clear example. With direct connections with Trump’s sons, the WLF launched its own stubcoin and digital token, just as the administration began to loosen its surveillance. At the same time, the Justice Department disbanded the national cryptocurrency enforcement team and scrapped investigations that once targeted money laundering and fraud.
From economic freedom to political favor
Watchdogs and critics have warned about conflicts of interest. Trump’s public enthusiasm for digital currency is business strategy. His administration’s aggressive deregulation benefits the WLF and others similar, and asserts them from scrutiny while they expand their economic scope.
What’s even worse is the politicization of the code itself. Coins associated with politicians like Trump are flooding the market. These so-called “political coins” gatherings relate to loyalty and influence. There is growing concern that political actors will use cryptography to create new forms of intensive influence.
Related: Trump Family Company Cuts 20% Global Liberty Financial Shares – Report
Trump’s administration is portrayed as a great liberator of blockchain, but the end result appears to be capitalism, with the promise of financial empowerment hidden by speculative profits. The world’s Liberty Financials will charge first while they are washed away in the new capital and navigate landscapes that are designed to keep them at a disadvantage. Everyone has received the message that financial freedom is for sale, but only if you are in the right yen.
Those without a bank are more valuable than this
This is not the financial revolution that Crypto has promised. It’s a rerun of the same old game. The powerful ones become richer, regulators turn blind, and the rest hold the bags.
It’s time for those who have no banks, undervalued and failed traditional finances to hear their voices. We must remove political branding and return to our core mission of providing true financial access to those in the most needy.
It means not only show people how crypto can help them in their daily lives, but also not just talk about it conceptually as an investment. It looks like when your local currency is crashing, you’ll be sending money home to your family without losing 20% due to transfer fees or saving stable digital dollars.
Trump’s view on Crypto speaks of a big game about freedom, but beneath it is the same old power structure. If Crypto is trying to meet that possibility, the community must go back to what it is trying to do in the first place. Instead of strengthening it, break the mold.
Opinion: Pauline Shanghett, Chief Strategy Officer of Changno.
This article is for general informational purposes and is not intended to be considered legal or investment advice, and should not be done. The views, thoughts and opinions expressed here are the authors alone and do not necessarily reflect or express Cointregraph’s views and opinions.
