Bitcoin’s Political Embrace: Trump’s Influence and Market Volatility
Blockstream CEO Adam Back has highlighted the significant impact of Donald Trump’s presidency on Bitcoin adoption, suggesting that political engagement has accelerated government interaction with the cryptocurrency by decades. While this marks a departure from Bitcoin’s original anti-establishment roots, it has brought regulatory discussions to the forefront of mainstream crypto conversations. Back acknowledges the positive momentum but warns that political involvement could introduce increased volatility. As of May 28, 2025, Bitcoin’s price stands at 108,863.63 USDT, reflecting the dynamic nature of the market amidst these developments.
Trump’s Presidency Accelerates Bitcoin Adoption, Says Blockstream CEO
Blockstream CEO Adam Back asserts that Donald Trump’s political influence has advanced government engagement with Bitcoin by decades. The cypherpunk veteran notes a significant departure from Bitcoin’s original anti-establishment ethos, as regulatory discussions now dominate mainstream crypto discourse.
While welcoming the momentum, Back cautions that political embrace introduces volatility. "The same tailwinds boosting institutional adoption could undermine long-term confidence," he observes, referencing scheduled bitcoin conference appearances by Trump allies like JD Vance.
Trump Jr. Credits De-Banking Experience for Bitcoin Advocacy Shift
Donald TRUMP Jr. revealed his conversion to bitcoin advocacy stemmed from systemic financial exclusion faced by the Trump Organization post-2016 presidency. Speaking at Bitcoin 2025, the executive described how traditional finance’s fragility pushed him toward cryptocurrency after experiencing widespread de-banking.
"We were real estate hard-asset builders—bitcoin seemed nebulous at first," Trump Jr. admitted during a fireside chat. The political backlash against Trump-affiliated entities reportedly served as an "orange-pilling" moment for both him and his brother Eric, who later influenced their father’s pro-crypto stance.
Block Integrates Bitcoin Payments via Lightning Network into Square Platform
Block, Inc. has taken a decisive step toward mainstream Bitcoin adoption by enabling Bitcoin payments on its Square platform. The feature, powered by the Lightning Network, promises near-instant, low-cost transactions for merchants and customers alike.
The announcement, made at the Bitcoin 2025 conference in Las Vegas, highlights Square’s commitment to cryptocurrency integration. Merchants using Square’s point-of-sale app will soon accept Bitcoin payments through existing hardware, while customers can pay by scanning a QR code at checkout.
This MOVE signals growing institutional confidence in Bitcoin’s utility as a payment method, further bridging the gap between traditional finance and digital assets.
Steak ‘n Shake Cuts Payment Fees by 50% Following Bitcoin Adoption
Steak ‘n Shake, the American fast-food chain known for its burgers and milkshakes, is now gaining attention for its embrace of Bitcoin. The company reported a 50% reduction in payment processing fees after implementing Bitcoin payments across all U.S. locations via the Lightning Network.
COO Dan Edwards revealed the results at the Bitcoin 2025 Conference in Las Vegas, highlighting how the shift from traditional credit card payments—which typically incur 2-3% fees—to Bitcoin’s layer-2 solution has driven operational efficiencies. The Lightning Network’s low-cost transactions are proving transformative for the restaurant’s bottom line.
Saylor Critiques Proof-of-Reserves at Bitcoin 2025 Conference
Michael Saylor, executive chairman of Strategy (formerly MicroStrategy), delivered a sharp critique of Proof-of-Reserves (PoR) during the Bitcoin 2025 Conference in Las Vegas. He likened the practice to publicly disclosing a child’s bank details, arguing that it exposes users and institutions to unnecessary risks.
Saylor’s remarks highlighted the tension between transparency and privacy in the crypto ecosystem. PoR, which requires exchanges to publish wallet addresses as proof of holdings, creates more vulnerabilities than it resolves. The debate underscores the growing pains of an industry balancing institutional adoption with security concerns.
