With Political Support Rising, Bitcoin May Evolve Beyond ‘Digital Gold’
Bitcoin’s image as “digital gold” may be due for an upgrade, according to Dan Held, a veteran in the crypto space.
In a recent podcast interview, he argued that the Bitcoin ecosystem is evolving beyond its traditional role as a hedge against inflation and centralization.
Held points to a changing political landscape in the U.S., where prominent figures, including Donald Trump, have expressed support for Bitcoin. This marks a shift from the days when headlines focused on environmental damage or criminal use. Instead, Bitcoin is now gaining legitimacy at the highest levels of government, with Held noting that roughly a quarter of Americans now own some BTC — a major sign of mainstream traction.
Looking ahead, Held and host Gareth Jenkinson see untapped potential in bringing decentralized finance to Bitcoin. While DeFi has mostly flourished on Ethereum and other chains, Held believes integrating such tools — lending, borrowing, staking — into Bitcoin’s infrastructure could spark the next wave of growth. He frames this not as a rewrite of Bitcoin’s foundation but as a natural extension of its capabilities.
Jenkinson agrees, though he notes the challenge of persuading Bitcoin purists who are hesitant to adopt changes that require locking up or risking their holdings. That resistance isn’t new — Held recalls past ideological clashes like the 2017 Bitcoin Cash split — but he believes current innovations are more collaborative than combative.
Rather than alter Bitcoin’s core code, developers today are building on top of it, aiming to make the network more versatile while preserving its original principles. Held sees this as a way to expand Bitcoin’s reach without betraying its roots.
Alexander Stefanov
Reporter at Coindoo
Alex is an experienced finance journalist and a cryptocurrency and blockchain enthusiast. With over 8 years of experience covering the crypto, blockchain and fintech industries, he deeply understands the complex and constantly evolving world of digital assets. His insightful and thought-provoking articles provide readers with a clear picture of the latest developments and trends in the market. His passionate approach allows him to break down complex ideas into accessible and insightful content. Follow up on his content to be up to date with the most important trends and topics.
