Bitcoin and American statecraft

Stephen Pollock, SVP of Development at the Bitcoin Policy Institute (BPI), joins Shawn to explore Bitcoin’s growing role in U.S. policy and statecraft. This discussion covers BPI’s mission to educate policymakers, the challenges of Washington’s political landscape, and the push for Bitcoin as a tool for freedom and national interest, including the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve.

Background

There's no CEO of Bitcoin... that creates vacuums unless someone steps up.
— Stephen Pollock

Timestamps

00:04 Introduction: Bitcoin Policy Institute origins
06:30 No CEO of Bitcoin: Filling the vacuum
12:45 Educating DC: Political landscape challenges
19:20 Human rights case: Afghanistan and beyond
26:15 White House vs agencies on Bitcoin
33:00 Deputy CIA Director at Bitcoin Summit
40:30 JD Vance and political momentum
48:15 Strategic Bitcoin Reserve journey
56:00 Stablecoin legislation vs Bitcoin Act
1:03:30 6102 attack concerns and self-custody
1:11:00 Bank Secrecy Act reform
1:18:00 Bipartisan future for Bitcoin

Resources

About Stephen Pollock

Stephen Pollock, Senior Vice President of Development at the Bitcoin Policy Institute (BPI), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit think tank co-founded by Grant McCarty and David Zell, drives the organization's operational and advocacy efforts. As BPI's first hire, he's been key in building its influence in Washington, DC. With over a decade in political campaigns, public affairs, and FinTech, Pollock has shaped legislation through grassroots strategies and built networks with political and business leaders. A passionate Bitcoiner from Nashville, he bridges Bitcoin's decentralized ethos with policy, championing self-custody and financial freedom through events like the Bitcoin Policy Summit.

Website