Crypto CEO Steps Down After Controversial Posts on Trump Opposition

Ryan Selkis, the CEO of Messari, a prominent crypto data firm, announced his resignation following a series of contentious posts on the social platform X. Selkis, known online as “twobitidiot,” made headlines after expressing extreme views in the aftermath of an assassination attempt on Donald Trump, the Republican presidential nominee.

In a statement on Friday, Selkis cited his political rhetoric as posing risks to his team, stating, “My politics and rhetoric put the team in harm’s way.” This decision underscores the intense intersection of politics and business leadership within the volatile cryptocurrency sector.

Explosive Remarks and Political Fallout

The controversy began when Selkis reacted vehemently on X to the attack on Trump, suggesting violent retribution against Trump’s opponents and declaring a so-called “literal war.”

His remarks included statements such as, “Anyone that votes against Trump at this point can die in a f—ing fire.” He later added, “The Civil War for the country started today, and if you are anti-Trump you are against the men who are willing to fight.

Good luck.” These comments, which were later deleted, sparked widespread backlash and raised questions about the role of business leaders in political discourse.

Future Directions and Crypto Political Alignments

In his resignation, Selkis criticized the media and the administration for their handling of the attack’s aftermath and pledged to focus his future efforts on addressing what he perceives as systemic problems within national institutions. Meanwhile, the crypto industry continues to navigate its relationship with political figures.

Donald Trump has recently incorporated pro-crypto policies into the Republican platform, advocating for an end to what he calls the “unAmerican Crypto crackdown” and promoting the rights to mine Bitcoin and engage in transactions free from government surveillance.

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These developments occur as Trump prepares to address the annual Bitcoin Conference in Nashville, highlighting the growing significance of cryptocurrency in national policy debates.

Despite Selkis’ controversial exit, Messari continues to be a significant player in the crypto industry, supported by major financial backers such as Point72 Ventures and Brevan Howard.

The incident has ignited discussions on the balance between personal expression and professional responsibilities, especially as the crypto world seeks broader mainstream acceptance and a more accommodating regulatory environment under the current U.S. administration.