Tucker Carlson’s Bitcoin Conspiracy Theory: Airline Chaos Edition – Crypto Twitter Reacts

Hold onto your hats, crypto enthusiasts, because things just got a little… conspiratorial. You know Tucker Carlson, the Fox News host known for his, shall we say, *unconventional* takes? Well, he’s now woven Bitcoin into his narrative, and it’s a wild ride involving airline delays, ransomware, and government secrets. Buckle up as we dive into the crypto community’s reaction to this latest theory that’s raising eyebrows and sparking laughter in equal measure.

Tucker Carlson Connects Airline Delays to Bitcoin’s Price Surge – Huh?

In a recent broadcast that had Crypto Twitter buzzing, Tucker Carlson presented a theory so out-there, it almost sounds like satire. His claim? The widespread airline delays in the US and Canada were actually caused by a cyberattack involving ransomware. And guess what? He suggests the US government might have secretly bought a massive amount of Bitcoin to pay off these ransom demands, leading to the recent surge in Bitcoin’s price.

Let’s break down Carlson’s logic:

• The Airline Chaos: He points to the significant disruptions and delays experienced by air travelers recently.
• The Ransomware Link: Carlson speculates that a computer system breakdown at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) was actually a ransomware attack.
• The Bitcoin Buy-Up: He theorizes that to resolve this (hypothetical) ransomware situation, the US government secretly purchased a huge amount of Bitcoin to pay the ransom.
• The Price Surge Connection: Carlson highlights the fact that Bitcoin’s price jumped by over 20% around the same time as the FAA issues. He asks, “Is that just a coincidence?” implying it’s not.

Here’s the quote that set Crypto Twitter ablaze:

“Almost all ransoms like this are paid in Bitcoin. So if the US government was buying huge amounts of Bitcoin in order to pay a ransom, Bitcoin prices would surge, of course. So the question is has that happened? Well yes, it has happened.”

It’s a compelling narrative, right? Except for one tiny detail: evidence. Carlson presented absolutely none to support his grand theory. But that didn’t stop the crypto community from having a field day.

Crypto Twitter’s Hilarious and Scathing Reaction

If there’s one thing the crypto community is good at, it’s sniffing out (and often mercilessly mocking) unsubstantiated claims. Crypto Twitter didn’t disappoint, reacting to Carlson’s theory with a mix of humor, skepticism, and outright disbelief.

FactoryDAO CEO Nick Almond summed up the general sentiment perfectly, labeling Carlson’s theory as “maximum tin foil” to his 13,500 Twitter followers. It’s safe to say, the idea wasn’t exactly embraced with open arms.

Adam Back, CEO of Blockstream and a well-known cypherpunk, also joined the chorus of mockery, suggesting that sometimes, just sometimes, things are exactly as they seem – coincidences.

The crypto community didn’t just stop at mockery; they also raised some very valid points debunking Carlson’s theory:

• Government Bitcoin Hoard: As many pointed out, the US government already holds a significant amount of Bitcoin that has been confiscated over time. Why would they need to buy more on the open market?
• OTC Purchases: If the government *were* to buy a large amount of Bitcoin, it would almost certainly be done through Over-the-Counter (OTC) markets to avoid causing price slippage and drawing attention, not on public exchanges.
• Monero for Ransom: For those *really* in the know, it’s common knowledge that if large ransoms in crypto are paid, privacy-focused cryptocurrencies like Monero (XMR), known for its untraceable transactions, are far more likely to be used than transparent Bitcoin.

The Real Reason Behind the Airline Delays? A Damaged Database File

So, what *actually* caused the airline chaos? According to the FAA itself, the disruption was due to a “damaged database file” within its Notice to Air Mission (NOTAM) system. This system is crucial for providing pilots with real-time safety information. The FAA explicitly stated that it was not a cyberattack.

In fact, within a couple of days of the disruption, the FAA reported that the issue was resolved, and flight operations were largely back to normal. Hardly the stuff of a shadowy government Bitcoin ransom payoff.

Adding further weight to the ‘coincidence’ argument, Stack Hodler, with a following of 30,000 on Twitter, suggested a more plausible reason for the crypto market recovery: FTX‘s $5 billion asset recovery. This news, which broke around the same time, could easily have contributed to positive market sentiment.

The Verdict? Conspiracy Theory Debunked (and Mocked)

Tucker Carlson’s Bitcoin conspiracy theory, while certainly attention-grabbing, appears to be exactly that – a theory with no basis in reality. The crypto community’s swift and humorous dismissal of the idea highlights the importance of critical thinking and evidence-based analysis, especially in the often-turbulent world of cryptocurrency.

While it’s always fun to entertain a good conspiracy theory, sometimes, the simplest explanation is the most accurate. In this case, a damaged database file seems far more likely than a clandestine government Bitcoin operation causing airline chaos. And as for the Bitcoin price surge? Well, the crypto market is known for its volatility, and multiple factors can influence price movements. Attributing it all to a Tucker Carlson-esque conspiracy? Let’s just say Crypto Twitter isn’t buying it.