The first edition of the Trump Digital Trading Card NFTs has experienced a significant downturn in sales, with trading volumes plummeting by 99% over the last 30 days. Data from OpenSea reveals a stark decline in transactions, with no activity recorded in the past week. This marks a sharp contrast from the initial buzz surrounding the collection, which generated over $50 million in total trading volume since its launch in December 2022.

Trump’s Relationship with Crypto

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has shown increasing interest in crypto and bitcoin, evident from his foray into the NFT market with the release of digital trading cards. However, waning interest in the original collection coincides with Trump’s upcoming criminal trial, where he faces allegations of falsifying business records related to hush money payments.

Comparison to Overall NFT Market

While overall NFT trading volumes have moderated compared to the frenzied activity of 2021, the broader market has exhibited relative stability in recent months. Ethereum-based NFT sales volumes reached $489 million in March, according to CryptoSlam! data, indicating ongoing activity despite the subdued performance of specific collections like Trump’s.

Second Series Performance and Promotions

In contrast to the decline in the first edition, the second series of Trump’s digital trading cards has seen relatively better performance, albeit with a 57% decrease in trading volumes over the past 30 days. Recent promotions for the collection included the opportunity for collectors to win a dinner invitation with Trump at Mar-a-Lago, scheduled for May 8, as announced on X.

Ownership and Management of NFT INT LLC

NFT INT LLC, the entity responsible for managing the NFT drops and promotions, operates independently from Donald J. Trump, The Trump Organization, and affiliated entities. While the website for the digital trading cards states that NFT INT LLC holds a paid license from CIC Digital LLC to use Trump’s name and likeness, Trump’s previous association with CIC Digital LLC has raised questions about ownership and management.

The minting of NFTs based on Trump’s likeness occurs on the Polygon blockchain, adding a layer of digital authentication to the collection.

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BlackRock’s IBIT spot bitcoin exchange-traded fund (ETF) has achieved a significant milestone, with total inflows surpassing $15 billion within just three months since its launch on January 11. This remarkable achievement places IBIT among the top 100 ETFs by assets under management (AUM), highlighting the strong demand for exposure to bitcoin among investors.

Dominance in Spot Bitcoin ETF Inflows

BlackRock’s IBIT has emerged as a leader in yesterday’s inflows for U.S. spot bitcoin ETFs, attracting $192.1 million. This surge in inflows outpaced the $124.9 million in outflows from Grayscale’s higher-fee GBTC fund, according to data from CoinGlass. Bitwise’s BITB, Valkyrie’s BRRR, and Fidelity’s FBTC also experienced notable inflows, contributing to the overall growth of the spot bitcoin ETF market.

Renewed Marketing Efforts

The milestone achievement coincides with a renewed advertising push for BlackRock’s IBIT, as competition intensifies in the ETF market. iShares, BlackRock’s ETF division, has ramped up its marketing efforts to promote the IBIT product, with banner ads appearing prominently on platforms like Bloomberg. The increased visibility underscores the escalating marketing battle among ETF providers vying for investor attention.

Steady Trading Volume and Asset Growth

Despite fluctuations in bitcoin’s price, trading volume for spot bitcoin ETFs remained steady, with IBIT leading in trading activity. However, daily volume saw a decline from its peak on March 5, indicating a stabilization in trading activity following previous surges. Meanwhile, BlackRock’s IBIT continues to experience significant asset growth, nearing the $20 billion mark in AUM. The fund’s rapid ascent in assets underscores its popularity among investors seeking exposure to bitcoin.

Overall, the success of BlackRock’s IBIT spot bitcoin ETF highlights the growing demand for cryptocurrency investment vehicles in the traditional financial market. With its rapid inflow growth and increasing market presence, IBIT is poised to remain a key player in the evolving landscape of digital asset investment.

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Russian authorities have conducted raids on four major “illegal” data centers in Siberia, resulting in the seizure of over 3,200 cryptocurrency mining rigs. The Novosibirsk branch of the Russian power provider Rosseti, in collaboration with law enforcement agencies, led the crackdown on these illicit operations.

Criminal Charges Filed Against Mining Center Operators

According to reports from Rosseti via RBC Crypto, police have leveled criminal charges against the operators of these mining centers. The facilities were identified as part of an interconnected “network” of illegal crypto-mining operations scattered throughout the city of Novosibirsk.

Massive Electricity Theft Uncovered

Rosseti revealed that the illicit mining centers collectively stole an estimated $2.1 million worth of electricity from the Novosibirsk power grid. During the raids, authorities confiscated nine power transformers along with the 3,225 cryptocurrency mining devices.

Widespread Presence of Illegal Mining Farms

Novosibirsk, the largest city in Siberia, has emerged as a significant hub for Russia’s rapidly growing crypto mining industry, alongside Irkutsk located nearly 2,000km to the east. However, concerns have arisen over the surge in illegal mining activities, characterized by unauthorized connections to the power grid for electricity theft.

Police Crackdown and Legal Ramifications

In a coordinated effort, Novosibirsk police officers shut down operations at all four illegal crypto-mining farms simultaneously. The raids targeted facilities located near a wastewater treatment plant, in a forest on the outskirts, near a city landfill, and within a private sector area. Despite the sophisticated power equipment used by the operators, none of the centers were authorized to connect to the power grids.

Officials have pressed charges against the operators, highlighting the severity of the electricity theft. If convicted, the perpetrators could face significant jail time for their involvement in illegal crypto-mining operations.

The crackdown underscores the ongoing battle against illicit cryptocurrency activities, emphasizing the need for regulatory enforcement to maintain integrity within the industry.

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BlockDAG is on a bold trajectory to ascend into the top 10 cryptocurrencies by 2024, backed by a projected 30,000X return on investment that outshines industry giants like Solana and PEPE. Integrating blockchain and Directed Acyclic Graph technologies, BlockDAG promises unprecedented security and transaction speed, poised to redefine the crypto landscape.

Solana’s DeFi Dominance and PEPE’s Emergence

Solana’s DeFi ecosystem, boasting a $4.444 billion Total Value Locked, showcases its strength in the market despite a recent minor decline. Marinade staking holds a significant 40.50% of Solana’s market share, emphasizing its pivotal role. PEPE, evolving from a viral meme to a substantial crypto asset, is on track to reach a $50 billion market cap, reflecting growing investor interest and a dynamic market presence.

BlockDAG’s Vision and Momentum

BlockDAG is rapidly gaining traction in the crypto presale arena, raising a remarkable $16.4 million in its latest batch by selling over 7 billion coins at $0.0045 each. The sale of 4,500 miners further underscores strong investor confidence in BlockDAG’s future. Leveraging the GHOSTDAG algorithm for enhanced network performance, BlockDAG offers faster, more secure transactions, complemented by a “Low Code, No Code” feature for user-friendly smart contracts.

Aiming for Success and Market Reshaping

BlockDAG’s ambitious target to raise $600 million by 2024, coupled with its vibrant presence in Las Vegas, signals its strong market potential and intent to redefine the crypto investment landscape. As Solana’s DeFi and PEPE’s market cap witness growth, BlockDAG offers a unique proposition with significant ROI potential, paving the way for a transformative financial journey in the digital asset domain.

Invest in BlockDAG’s presale today to seize the forefront of the crypto revolution and participate in shaping the future of digital asset investment standards. Join the movement now to capitalize on the next big thing in cryptocurrency.

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The Canadian province of British Columbia is taking steps to regulate electricity usage by crypto miners, citing concerns over their unchecked growth and its impact on energy resources.

Josie Osborne, Minister of Energy, Mines, and Low Carbon Innovation, announced plans on Thursday to address the high energy consumption associated with crypto mining activities in the region. The province aims to balance economic opportunities with sustainable energy management.

The proposed legislative amendment would grant the government authority to restrict or limit electricity usage for crypto mining operations. This move is motivated by concerns that the rapid expansion of the sector could strain the province’s electricity supply, potentially driving up costs for residential and commercial users.

In December 2022, British Columbia initiated a temporary suspension of new electricity connections for cryptocurrency mining projects, set to last for 18 months. This decision affected approximately 21 projects, collectively seeking 11,700 gigawatt hours of power annually.

Minister Osborne emphasized the importance of collaboration with British Columbia Hydro, the provincial power utility, to ensure a stable and sustainable energy future. The goal is to regulate electricity services for energy-intensive crypto mining operations, which typically yield minimal local employment opportunities.

This regulatory approach aligns with British Columbia’s commitment to prioritizing electricity resources for essential needs, such as electric vehicles, heat pumps, and other carbon-reducing initiatives that contribute to job creation and economic development.

Despite being the fourth-largest electricity producer in Canada, British Columbia faces challenges in meeting future energy demands. Concerns have been raised about the region’s ability to consistently generate sufficient power, especially considering growing demand and potential constraints on generation capacity by 2026, as highlighted in a report by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation.

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