A shift in political sentiment is driving the evolution of Bitcoin beyond its traditional role as a hedge against inflation and a decentralized financial tool. Prominent figures like former President Donald Trump have shown public support for Bitcoin, signaling a change from headlines focused on its environmental impact or criminal use. This renewed mainstream legitimacy sees roughly a quarter of Americans now owning some Bitcoin, according to Held, indicating a significant surge in adoption. In a recent podcast interview, financial expert and Bitcoin proponent, Held, discussed the potential for expanding Bitcoin’s ecosystem through decentralized finance (DeFi). He believes integrating DeFi tools like lending and borrowing into Bitcoin’s infrastructure could unlock new opportunities for growth. Instead of reworking its core code, Held views this integration as a natural extension of Bitcoin’s capabilities. Coindoo’s host, Gareth Jenkinson, agrees that adding DeFi to Bitcoin presents exciting possibilities, despite the challenges in convincing traditional Bitcoin purists who may be hesitant about changing their holdings. However, he believes these innovations are collaborative rather than disruptive, and echoes Held’s stance: the focus is on expanding Bitcoin’s functionality without altering its core principles.