Trump addresses thousands at Bitcoin 2024 Conference in Nashville

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Saturday marked a historic day for Music City as former President Donald Trump spoke in front of thousands at the Bitcoin 2024 Conference.

Trump took the stage without his ear patch on Saturday, July 27, just two weeks after he was struck by a bullet during an assassination attempt at a Pennsylvania campaign rally.

“It can be a little overwhelming being somewhere where literally the biggest figure right now in the world and in crypto space,” said Cesar Higuera with MAGA VP. “I’m getting excited just thinking about it, talking about it; it’s just a whole different feeling actually being here. It’s a dream come true.”

Trump issued several pledges in front of the crypto currency audience, including defeating Vice President Kamala Harris, who he called his “second choice” to run against, as well as creating a “bitcoin advisory council” and hiring a new Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) chair if elected in November.

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“This afternoon, I’m laying out my plan to ensure that the United States will be the crypto capital of the planet and the bitcoin superpower of the world, and we’ll get it done…The day I take the oath of office, Joe Biden and Kamala Harris’ anti-crypto crusade will be over. It will end,” Trump said.

Several outside Saturday’s conference opposed Trump’s remarks.

“[I am] beyond scared,” Harris supporter Bethany Smith said. “This is a man that doesn’t want to be president. He wants to be a god, right? He does not care for democracy, he’s never been about democracy, he’s been about himself.”

Others outside the Music City Center took their arguments a step further.

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“Trump is a toxic narcissist. He has come not to serve, but to be served,” said Father John Boylan with Christ the Prophet Ecumenical Catholic Communion Church.

Saturday’s Bitcoin Conference attracted an estimated 20,000 attendees. Some paid between $60,000 to more than $800,000 for the chance to get their picture with the former president.

“You’re going to win, win, win, with energy, passion, and brilliance like we have rarely seen before,” Trump said. “Our country cannot fail.”

Trump’s remarks came a day after independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. addressed the conference, during which time he pitched launching a strategic bitcoin reserve.

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