After ‘Civil War’ and Anti-Immigrant Tweets, Ryan Selkis Told to Cool It by His Crypto Startup’s Leadership

Despite the assassination attempt that barely missed him this week, Donald Trump’s heated outbursts continued to make waves, even surprising his colleagues at Messari. The financial analysis firm, backed by heavyweights like Mike Novogratz’s Galaxy Digital and Brevan Howard, reportedly held a valuation of $300 million, had allegedly requested Trump to tone down his rhetoric.

He recently had an insightful conversation with Messari’s team, providing constructive feedback that I truly value. They care enough about my goals and intentions to keep me on track when I’ve been overzealous this past week. I’ll be sharing a comprehensive response soon.

What is the context here about his reaction towards X following the assassination attempt on Trump? As of Thursday, he had made his tweets inaccessible to the public, yet they were still viewable by his approximately 354,000 followers.

“Anyone who opposes Trump now faces my wrath; it’s as if we’re in the midst of a civil war. If you aren’t on our side, you’re against us.” (This post has since been removed.) He further stated: “The battle for our nation began today, and those who are anti-Trump stand opposed to the brave fighters among us. May fortune favor them.”

The following day, the idea of using force, even in self-defense, crossed his mind. He believed that Bolshevism could not be resolved through elections alone. Instead, he thought it necessary to eliminate the spreading disease and wickedness of the left, using force if required. That’s why the Second Amendment is crucial – not for instigating violence but for responding effectively when violence comes knocking at your door.

Regrettably, it’s only through hard-fought triumph that unity can be attained. We find ourselves at such a juncture once more. Previously, this occurred in the years 1776, 1860, and 1942. Let us hope for peace, yet prepare for war.

Selkis mirrored the anti-immigration stance of the MAGA movement in his speech. He inquired of an X user whether they were a citizen or merely a green card holder. When informed that the individual was on the verge of applying for citizenship, Selkis responded with, “I hope they don’t let you in… You don’t deserve citizenship. I hope it remains that way.”

As a seasoned journalist with years of experience covering political events, I find it intriguing when social media posts spark intense debates and speculation. Selkis’ post, featuring images of a bloodied Donald Trump juxtaposed with the iconic photo of former Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden in the Situation Room during the operation that led to Osama bin Laden’s death, is no exception.

The individual penned another message directed towards Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass), a notable crypto critic from Washington, attaching images of her and Thomas Matthew Crooks, who attempted to assassinate Trump, side by side. “Are you content that Trump is still alive? Or did you regret missing the opportunity to eliminate a ‘tyrant threatening democracy’? The truth isn’t hidden in faces.”

The use of the outdated concept of physiognomy, which involves judging someone’s character based on their appearance, seemed to suggest that the two men with glasses shared some physical similarities.

In response to a tweet from SEC Chair Gensler, he made the following comment: “I can nearly savour the impending jail term you’re headed for.”

Selkis, when contacted by a CoinDesk journalist, declined to elaborate on his posts the past week.

A CEO of a company with significant venture capital funding isn’t typically seen engaging in such unconventional online behavior as X’s owner has done. However, boldness is not entirely unusual among crypto community members on social media, and Elon Musk, the CEO in question, is renowned for his boundary-pushing antics as well.

Messari serves a significant function in the cryptocurrency sphere by enabling users to track and analyze data related to digital assets. In recent developments, Selkis has emerged as a pivotal figure in the industry’s efforts to reassert influence in Washington, following the waning influence of Sam Bankman-Fried in that arena.

At an NFT gala held at Mar-a-Lago earlier this year, Selkis addressed the audience with Trump by his side.

After his initial “tough love” tweet on Thursday, Selkis tweeted further. He wasn’t much quieter.

He boldly expressed his concerns about self-defense and the seriousness of the current political climate on Twitter, issuing a warning to those who might disagree. If only detractors put as much energy into safeguarding children, averting conflict, and upholding American ideals.

I’ve been there before, having my well-laid plans disrupted by unexpected challenges. It’s a humbling experience to be knocked down, especially when the blow comes out of nowhere. But as Mike Tyson wisely said, “Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face.”

Michelle Bloom contributed to this story.