Mayor Eric Adams Champions Bitcoin at Puerto Rico Blockchain Event

NYC Mayor Adams embraces Crypto,⁤ Fundraises in puerto ⁣Rico

New York City Mayor Eric⁤ Adams, a vocal proponent ⁢of cryptocurrency, traveled‍ to Puerto Rico this week to ⁢attend the island’s annual ‍blockchain week and participate in a fundraising event.

Adams, who famously took his⁤ first three paychecks as mayor in Bitcoin and Ethereum, ⁤spoke at the conference, which focuses on blockchain⁤ technology, decentralization, and sovereignty.His appearance highlights ⁤his⁤ continued embrace of the tech industry, notably the cryptocurrency sector.

“We where a country and a city that lead the globe in innovation. And look at us now.It’s time. It’s time for change. And I’ve said this ⁢for years and I’m happy that Elon is going to be part⁣ of those who are moving that change forward,” Adams said last week,‍ referencing Elon Musk’s influence on technological ⁤advancement.

Adams’ trip‍ to Puerto Rico comes on ⁣the heels ⁤of his recent comments about Bitcoin, where he boasted about ⁤his early investment in the ⁤cryptocurrency.

“We should not be afraid of Bitcoin. Remember y’all laughed at me when I first got my ⁢Bitcoin? Who’s laughing now? ⁤Go look at my Bitcoin now.You all mock⁣ me. You’re taking your first three paychecks in Bitcoin. What’s wrong with you? Now you‍ wish you would have done it,” Adams ⁣said on⁢ November 3rd.

The mayor’s close ties to ⁢the tech⁣ world⁣ are evident in his relationship with ⁣cryptocurrency billionaire⁤ Brock Pierce. Adams flew ⁢to a political conference on Pierce’s⁢ private jet in November 2021, and Pierce is hosting a fundraiser for Adams in Puerto Rico on Tuesday night, with attendees asked⁢ to donate a minimum of ⁢$1,000.

Tech ⁢Industry Support

Julie Samuels, president and CEO of Tech:NYC, a nonprofit advocating for New ⁢York City’s technology industry, believes Adams’ embrace of emerging technology sends a positive message.

“So much of our lives, the friction is being removed because technology, whether it be on an iPhone⁢ or whatever, is making people’s lives easier,” Samuels said. “That’s why I think it’s ‍incredibly important‍ that we are thinking about how⁢ to use frankly simple technology and how to apply those to the government.”

Samuels added that ⁤Adams’ actions encourage tech companies ‍to‍ invest in ⁢New York City.

“It⁢ also sends a message to people building those technologies that they should come build them here, that they should start their companies here, that they should think about how to move the ⁢whole city and state forward,” Samuels said.

City Hall confirmed that Adams’ trip to Puerto Rico ⁣is being funded by taxpayers, as he is attending in his official capacity as mayor and focusing on city issues.

NYC’s Crypto Mayor: Embracing‍ Blockchain and Tech Innovation

San Juan,Puerto Rico – New ⁤York City⁢ Mayor Eric Adams,a vocal supporter of cryptocurrency,recently embarked on a trip ‍to Puerto Rico,immersing himself in the island’s thriving blockchain⁢ ecosystem. Adams,known for receiving⁢ his first⁣ three mayoral paychecks in Bitcoin and Ethereum,participated‍ in Blockchain Week,a prominent conference focused on⁣ decentralized‍ technology and its potential to empower⁢ individuals and communities.

His presence at the conference highlights his commitment to fostering innovation and embracing emerging technologies within New York City. Adams recently expressed his admiration ‍for elon Musk’s ⁣influence on technological advancement, stating, “It’s time for change. and I’m happy that Elon is going to be part of those who are moving that change forward.”

The ‍mayor’s enthusiastic support for⁢ Bitcoin‍ was evident in a ⁤recent public statement, where he boasted about his early investment in the ⁢cryptocurrency. “We should not be afraid⁣ of Bitcoin. Remember y’all laughed at me when I first got my bitcoin? Who’s laughing now?” Adams declared, referencing the significant growth ⁤in Bitcoin’s value as his initial purchase.

Adams’ close ties to the tech industry⁤ are exemplified by his ‍relationship with cryptocurrency billionaire Brock Pierce. Pierce, who is hosting a fundraising event for Adams in ⁤Puerto Rico, exemplifies the mayor’s dedication⁢ to cultivating relationships within the tech community.

Julie Samuels, president and CEO of tech:NYC, applauds Adams’ approach⁣ to technology, ⁢stating, “It’s incredibly importent that‍ we are thinking about how ⁤frankly simple technology… can be applied to government.” Samuels believes Adams’ actions send a powerful message to tech companies and entrepreneurs, encouraging them to invest in and build their businesses within New York City.

The mayor’s trip ‍to Puerto Rico is being funded ‍by taxpayers, emphasizing⁣ his commitment to ⁤addressing city issues while staying⁢ abreast of technological advancements on⁢ a global scale.