The founder of Messari became extreme after Trump was shot and continued to criticize anyone who did not support Trump on social media

Ryan Selkis, the CEO of Messari, has recently stirred significant controversy within the crypto community and beyond due to his outspoken support for Donald Trump and his inflammatory comments on social media. This situation unfolded after Trump was shot, leading Selkis to post a series of extreme remarks on Twitter.

Controversial Statements

Selkis's comments included:

1. Anti-Immigration Sentiments: He expressed a desire to see green card holders sent back to their countries, reflecting a strong anti-immigration stance common among some Trump supporters.

1. Criticism of Vitalik Buterin: Selkis labeled Ethereum creator Vitalik Buterin as "the most naive and useless political commentator" for advising the crypto industry to be cautious about trusting political candidates.
2. Aggressive Rhetoric: He posted incendiary tweets, suggesting violent resistance against those opposing Trump and advocating for the use of the Second Amendment to counter perceived threats from the political left.
3. Historical References and Threats: Selkis invoked historical events like the American Revolution, Civil War, and World War II to justify his call for a decisive victory, and implied a willingness to prepare for violent conflict.
4. Personal Attacks: He made personal attacks against various public figures, including politicians like Senator Elizabeth Warren and tech industry leaders.

Community Reaction

Selkis's remarks have provoked a strong backlash:

• Suji Yan, founder of Mask Network: Yan declared that they would cut all potential deals with Messari and avoid their events, urging partners and portfolio companies to reconsider their associations with Messari.
• General Outrage: The crypto community has been shocked by Selkis's extreme views and the potential damage to Messari's reputation.

Selkis's Track Record

Ryan Selkis is known for his combative style and frequent criticisms of high-profile individuals and institutions, particularly SEC Chairman Gary Gensler. Despite his controversial behavior, he remains a prominent voice in the crypto industry, with connections to influential figures like Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong and venture capitalist Fred Ehrsam.

Impact on Messari

Messari's association with Selkis's recent outbursts could affect its relationships and standing within the industry. The company has significant sponsors, including Galaxy Digital, Coinbase, Gnosis, Pyth, and TRON. Whether these sponsors will reconsider their support in light of Selkis's comments remains to be seen.

Conclusion

Ryan Selkis's inflammatory comments have placed him at the center of a storm within the crypto community, highlighting the potential consequences of mixing personal political views with professional roles. As the situation develops, it will be important to monitor the reactions from both the crypto community and Messari's partners.