U.S. President Donald Trump recently stirred attention by resharing a 7-year-old Bitcoin video on Truth Social, calling it “the greatest Bitcoin explanation of all time.” So, what makes this old clip so special?
The video features a 6-minute testimony by Peter Van Valkenburgh, Director of Research at CoinCenter, delivered before the U.S. Senate in 2018. Though well-known among crypto enthusiasts, the clip went viral again after Trump’s public endorsement.
Unlike flashy crypto promos, Valkenburgh’s presentation goes straight to the point. He clearly explains the core purpose of Bitcoin, calling it the world’s first cryptocurrency powered by the first blockchain network—a system that operates without banks or intermediaries. Anyone with a computer and an internet connection can send or receive value globally.
Importantly, Valkenburgh also acknowledges Bitcoin’s flaws: it’s volatile, not yet widely accepted, and doesn’t always function as the best store of value. Yet, he emphasizes that Bitcoin works—and that alone makes it revolutionary. He compares its impact to that of the Internet, noting that while the Internet revolutionized information, Bitcoin is doing the same for money.
The message is clear: Bitcoin is more than just digital money. It’s a public, global, and resilient infrastructure—decentralized, borderless, and permissionless—especially vital in a world plagued by data breaches and financial system failures.
Trump’s decision to reshare the video highlights more than just appreciation for Bitcoin—it reflects a growing alignment with pro-crypto policies. In recent months, Trump has supported several crypto-friendly initiatives, including the GENIUS Act, two Senate-approved crypto bills, and proposals for a national Bitcoin reserve.
He has also pledged tax exemptions for crypto and is expected to sign an executive order enabling retirement fund investments in Bitcoin. Through this video, Trump not only acknowledges Bitcoin’s strengths and weaknesses but reinforces his commitment to integrating digital assets into America’s financial future.
