Bitcoin reached its highest ever price on Wednesday, as it surged past the $100,000 milestone.
The world’s most important cryptocurrency reached a high of $103,511, before the price fell back below $100,000. At time of writing, the value is over $98,000.
In response to the news of Bitcoin’s record value, president-elect Donald Trump posted a message of congratulations on his Truth Social account.
“CONGRATULATIONS BITCOINERS!!! $100,000!!! YOU’RE WELCOME!!! Together, we will Make America Great Again!”
The price surge came not long after Trump announced his nomination of Paul Atkins as head of the Securities Exchange Commission. In his announcement, Trump said that Atkins, who previously served as SEC Chairman under George W. Bush, “recognizes that digital assets and other innovations are crucial to Making America Greater than Ever Before.”
Trump has since also named David Sacks as his “White House AI and Crypto Czar,” with a broad remit covering everything from online censorship to providing a legal framework that will allow the crypto industry to “thrive.” Sacks is a Silicon Valley tech entrepreneur who was COO of Paypal and founded software company Yammer, which Microsoft bought for $1.2 billion. He is also co-host of the All-In Podcast, one of the most popular tech podcasts in the world.
“In this important role, David will guide policy for the Administration in Artificial Intelligence and Cryptocurrency,” Trump said, “two areas critical to the future of American competitiveness,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
“David will focus on making America the clear global leader in both areas. He will safeguard Free Speech online, and steer us away from Big Tech bias and censorship. He will work on a legal framework so the Crypto industry has the clarity it has been asking for, and can thrive in the U.S. David will also lead the Presidential Council of Advisors for Science and Technology.”