President Trump’s affinity for crypto currency has emerged as another vehicle for profit and peddling influence.  On today’s episode, we break down the basics of crypto and how the industry infiltrated Trump’s world, unpacks the ways this administration is creating a friendly environment for this unregulated market in ways that might impact our economy more broadly, and questions its ethics. Stacey is joined by Zeke Faux, investigative reporter for Bloomberg Businessweek, and Annie Lowrey, staff writer at The Atlantic, to explore the good, the bad, and the gray areas of digital currency.

For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.

Learn & Do More: 

1. · If you want to learn more about cryptocurrency and its newly entwined relationship with our government, check out both Annie and Zeke’s work at Bloomberg and The Atlantic. 
2. · If you are considering, or know someone else who is thinking of investing in cryptocurrency or other high-risk assets, prioritize safety. Invest in what you understand—avoid following trends blindly. Always research companies, funds, or assets before committing your money—and encourage other people in your life, especially those who may be most vulnerable to financial losses, to do the same. 
3. · Start asking questions of your elected officials. Since we’re showing up in their inboxes and at their town halls, put them to the test. Ask about their positions on crypto and pay attention to how they respond. We have a number of urgent issues, but truly can’t afford to let this one escape our attention or theirs.