Mayor Adams inspired crypto moguls to again native lawmakers who help the trade in a Bitcoin 2025 convention speech in Las Vegas Wednesday — after which attended a “lunch with America’s bitcoin mayor” fundraiser hosted by crypto entrepreneur Brock Pierce.
Adams, in his Wednesday morning speech, mentioned he desires to “match what is happening on the national level” in New York and advised the viewers to go “on the ground” to assist native lawmakers who embrace the trade.
“Vice President [JD] Vance says something that you should all listen to,” Adams mentioned, referencing the veep’s keynote speech. “We must be part of the political strength in our country. In golf, they say you drive for show, but you putt for dough. Local politics will determine what happens to this industry.”
Throughout his remarks, the mayor additionally pledged to push for the elimination of bit licensing, that are difficult-to-get enterprise licenses for crypto firms, in addition to the creation of a “BitBond.” He additionally floated concepts that bitcoin could possibly be used to pay taxes and costs.
Adams, a longtime booster of the trade, just lately held a crypto summit at Gracie Mansion.
“Just as our flag still flies, Bitcoin is going to continue to fly in our country and New York City,” Adams mentioned, including that crypto businesspeople are the “Betsy Ross of today” after reciting a part of the Pledge of Allegiance.
The mayor flew to Las Vegas for the convention utilizing taxpayer {dollars}, in accordance Metropolis Corridor. Town’s chief know-how officer, Matt Fraser, and Deputy Mayor for Intergovernmental Affairs Tiffany Raspberry traveled to the convention with him.
The fundraiser, at DNA Fund’s lineup of occasions separate from the the Las Vegas convention, required a donation to Adams’ re-election marketing campaign to attend. Pierce is a co-founder of the group.
After Adams made a pitch to potential donors on the DNA Fund occasion, Pierce advised attendees to assemble at the back of the room to move over to the luncheon, video exhibits. A lady working the occasion additionally inspired these in attendance to make a donation to the mayor’s marketing campaign.
“You can tap on this QR code, make your kind, suggested, small contribution, and let’s bring New York back on the global scene,” the girl mentioned to applause.
Adams made headlines early in his mayoral time period for changing his first three paychecks into crypto.
“From day one, the Adams administration has been keeping New York City ahead of the curve, shattering the record number of jobs 11 times and embracing new technologies to deliver a safer, more affordable city for all New Yorkers,” Kayla Mamelak, a spokeswoman for the mayor mentioned in an announcement.
The mayor’s speech encouraging the crypto trade to help native elected officers comes, as he faces a tricky path to reelection towards ex-Gov. Andrew Cuomo. Adams has leaned on the help of Pierce and different crypto moguls, gathering greater than $13,000 from a December fundraiser hosted at Pierce’s mansion in Puerto Rico.
“Mayor Eric Adams is proud to join hundreds of innovators, entrepreneurs and thought leaders at the world’s largest cryptocurrency conference in Las Vegas. This high-energy event—featuring dozens of fundraisers, panels and activations —demonstrates the growing national interest in blockchain technology, digital finance and the future of economic development,” marketing campaign spokesman Todd Shapiro mentioned in an announcement.
“Mayor Adams was welcomed by West Coast supporters who recognize his strong record on economic growth and innovation in New York City.”
With Chris Sommerfeldt
Initially Printed: Might 28, 2025 at 6:25 PM EDT
