At the Bitcoin Conference held at The Venetian Expo in Las Vegas, a notable political presence overshadowed the typical crypto-focused agenda. Faryar Shirzad, Coinbase’s chief policy officer, announced the company’s sponsorship of America250, a nonprofit organizing the U.S. 250th anniversary celebrations, including a military parade coinciding with Donald Trump’s birthday. Among panelists was Chris LaCivita, co-chair of Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign, marking an unusual political alignment at this traditionally technology-centric event.
“Code and Country,” a VIP-only day preceding the main event, featured panels dominated by Republican lawmakers, White House officials, and political operatives praising Trump as a crypto champion. These sessions were closed to general attendees, many of whom value Bitcoin for its decentralization and resistance to government control. Coinbase, which holds significant Bitcoin reserves and is listed on the S&P 500, has previously donated to Trump initiatives and now supports America250’s military parade, raising eyebrows within the crypto community.
The America250 parade, planned for June 14 to mark the U.S. Army’s 250th birthday, will include a large display of military hardware. The event’s costs, partly covered by taxpayers, and Trump’s personal influence on reinstating the parade reflect a politicization of what began as a patriotic celebration.
This year’s conference diverged from the typical crypto culture of informal parties and meme-driven chatter, shifting toward formal political networking. Attendees included GOP senators, Trump family members, and crypto CEOs discussing policy influence and regulatory rollback achievements credited to the current administration.
The conference also highlighted corporate sponsorship from right-wing aligned companies. Fast-food chain Steak ‘n Shake promoted Bitcoin acceptance while embracing politically charged marketing, and crypto firms like Frax and Tron, associated with controversial figures and past SEC investigations, actively backed America250 events.
The general admission crowd expressed distrust toward the political elite, with some speakers condemning government violence and control attempts. Despite vocal opposition, politicians maintained exclusive access through VIP areas, limiting direct interaction with the wider Bitcoin community.
Networking remained central to the event, especially among crypto influencers and MAGA supporters. Notably, some industry leaders voiced concern over the return of figures with questionable histories, reflecting unease about blurring lines between crypto innovation and political allegiance.
The conference underscored tensions between Bitcoin’s foundational ideals of sovereignty and the increasing entanglement with partisan politics. As the industry gains formal recognition and regulatory engagement, divisions within the community about loyalty, oversight, and the future of crypto governance have become more apparent.