Thousands gathered in Las Vegas at the Bitcoin 2025 conference to hear industry leaders, lawmakers, and influential figures discuss Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.
US Vice President JD Vance was a major draw, advocating for Bitcoiners to engage in politics and potentially influence the 2026 midterm elections. The theme of “freedom” resonated throughout the event, with speakers like Michael Saylor and Ross Ulbricht emphasizing its importance.
Ulbricht, recently released from prison, credited the Bitcoin community for their support, stating, “So long as we can agree that we deserve freedom and that decentralization is how we secure it, then we can be united.”
Emphasis on Bitcoin and Crypto Policy
Reflecting a trend since Trump’s appearance at Bitcoin 2024, many speakers focused on the impact of regulation and policy on crypto investors.
SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce discussed the agency’s future, while lawmakers like Senator Cynthia Lummis and Representatives Bryan Steil, Byron Donalds, and Tom Emmer addressed efforts to pass legislation for digital asset market structure and stablecoins.
Steil emphasized the transformative potential of these legislative efforts, stating, “As we get closer and closer to two key pieces of legislation, both market structure and stablecoins, I wanted to come out and make sure the people understand how transformative these pieces of legislation will be.”
Bo Hines and David Sacks, presidential advisors on crypto, discussed Trump’s views on Bitcoin and explored ways for the US to acquire more BTC in a budget-neutral manner.
International representatives also shared adoption-related announcements. Panama City Mayor Mayer Mizrachi proposed Bitcoin-friendly approaches for ships using the Panama Canal, Pakistan is moving towards establishing a BTC reserve, and Reform UK party leader Nigel Farage announced the acceptance of crypto donations.
Farage stated, “No wonder so many people are going for Bitcoin and going for crypto — because they can’t close you down, and that is the ultimate freedom.”
Since the conference’s start, Bitcoin’s price has decreased by roughly 5% to $104,745.