Elon Musk has long been known for his ability to sway markets with a single tweet or public statement, but when it comes to cryptocurrencies, he’s not the hero many believe him to be.
While his words often move the needle, Musk has clarified that he’s not fully endorsing any crypto asset. His recent comments at a political rally reinforced that stance, signaling his distance from the crypto community despite his influence over prices, particularly with Dogecoin.
Musk’s complex relationship with Crypto
Elon Musk’s relationship with cryptocurrency has been unpredictable. Over the years, he’s joked and made offhand comments about Dogecoin, often triggering significant spikes in its value. Dogecoin surged by 25% following a recent mention, a familiar pattern for the meme coin whenever Musk references it. However, despite his apparent fondness for Dogecoin, Musk has refrained from making substantial investments in the crypto market.
Musk’s reservations about Bitcoin stem from environmental concerns. As someone focused on sustainability, he has criticized Bitcoin’s high energy consumption, suggesting that alternatives like Dogecoin, which requires less energy, could be more sustainable. However, even with his critiques and occasional jokes, Musk has never positioned himself as a long-term crypto backer.
Crypto markets react to Musk’s comments
While Musk may not be heavily invested in cryptocurrencies, his words still move markets. His comments, whether at political rallies or during Tesla events, often spark volatility in the crypto space. Following a recent rally, the total cryptocurrency market cap sits at $2.39 trillion, with Bitcoin nearing the $70,000 mark and Ethereum trading at around $2,750. Dogecoin, which continues to benefit from Musk’s mentions, remains strong at $0.1444.
Institutional interest is fueling optimism in the market, with analysts predicting a continued rally through the end of the year. Musk’s influence is undeniable, but his steadfast commitment to cryptocurrency remains unclear.
Controversy over Musk’s political giveaway
In addition to his role in the crypto world, Musk has made waves with a controversial political move. At a recent rally supporting Donald Trump, Musk announced a $1 million-per-day giveaway aimed at registered voters in key battleground states. The offer was tied to a petition supporting the First and Second Amendments, with participants eligible to win a cash prize for signing.
However, legal experts quickly raised concerns, as offering financial incentives in exchange for voting or registering to vote violates federal law. The initial announcement prompted a backlash, and Musk’s Political Action Committee (PAC) was forced to adjust the language of the giveaway to avoid further legal trouble. Despite these changes, the offer has generated skepticism, mainly since it was open to registered voters after the announced giveaway. While Elon Musk remains a polarizing figure in crypto and politics, his motivations and long-term strategies remain uncertain.