Bankless
January 22, 2025

Trump Pardons Ross Ulbrict, TRUMP Offical Memecoin, SEC's Pro-Crypto Pivot | Live With Alex Thorn

The latest Bankless podcast delves into significant developments in the crypto world, including Trump's pardon of Ross Ulbricht, the launch of an official Trump meme coin, and the SEC's new pro-crypto initiatives.

Trump Pardons Ross Ulbricht and Its Legacy

  • "Ross was granted a full and unconditional pardon by Donald Trump."
  • "The double life sentence plus 40 years is considered egregious by many in the crypto community."
  • "This represents a significant shift and is seen as the creator being freed as per his supporters."

Launch and Impact of Trump's Official Meme Coin

  • "The Trump meme coin went from a $1 billion market cap to $26 billion, then fell to $50 billion."
  • "Melania launch resulted in a $2 billion market cap which fell to $600 million."
  • "Trump-owned company owns 80% of the supply of the relevant meme coin."

SEC's Pro-Crypto Pivot Under New Leadership

  • "Mark Auda is the new SEC chair showing a more progressive approach to regulations."
  • "New crypto task force led by Hester Pur signals a reevaluation of past enforcement actions."
  • "Expectation of halting or reviewing SEC's previous crypto litigations."

Court Lifts OFAC Sanctions on Tornado Cash

  • "Court lifts OFAC sanctions, marking a major win for crypto privacy advocates."
  • "The decision means Tornado Cash is not considered property under OFAC."
  • "This is a big deal as it supports the legitimacy of decentralized privacy tools."

Key Takeaways:

  • The SEC’s shift towards a pro-crypto stance under new leadership could redefine regulatory frameworks, fostering a more supportive environment for crypto innovation.
  • The volatility and speculative nature of Trump’s meme coin underscore the risks associated with celebrity-endorsed tokens, urging investors to exercise caution.
  • Legal victories like the OFAC ruling on Tornado Cash enhance the legitimacy of privacy tools in crypto, potentially encouraging further development in this area.
  • Investors should stay informed on regulatory changes, developers might explore decentralized solutions, and researchers can investigate the evolving impact of these legal shifts on the crypto market.

For further insights and detailed discussions, watch the full podcast: Link