In a latest flip of occasions, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson finds himself embroiled in a media spat with former Fox Information host Tucker Carlson. The dispute revolves round an alleged demand by Johnson for Bitcoin or a million-dollar payment for an interview, a declare vehemently denied by the Prime Minister’s workforce. Carlson, identified for his affect in Proper-wing US media, accused Johnson of requesting the fee for a dialogue about Ukraine.
Carlson’s Accusation And Johnson’s Response
Tucker Carlson, in a latest interview with Blaze TV, claimed that Johnson’s workforce knowledgeable him of the interview’s chance however connected a hefty price ticket. Based on Carlson, the Prime Minister demanded one million US {dollars}, gold, or Bitcoin.
Chatting with Blaze TV, a right-wing information channel, Carlson stated:
“Lastly one in every of his advisers will get again to me and says, ‘He’ll discuss to you, nevertheless it’s going to value you one million {dollars}.’”
Screenshot of Tucker Carlson interview on BlazeTV.
JUST IN: Tucker Carlson says former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson requested for $1 million in US {dollars}, gold, or #Bitcoin for an interview. pic.twitter.com/HY1USCudKJ
— Bitcoin Journal (@BitcoinMagazine) February 20, 2024
The Telegraph quoted Carlson as saying:
“He needs one million {dollars}, in US {dollars}, gold or bitcoin – this simply occurred yesterday, or two days in the past. Then he’ll discuss to you about Ukraine – he’ll clarify his place on Ukraine.”
Johnson’s workforce swiftly dismissed these allegations, asserting that it was Carlson who made the provide and that Johnson had initially accepted, on the situation that the funds would go on to Ukrainian veterans’ charities. The interview, nonetheless, by no means happened, with Johnson citing the tragic loss of life of Russian opposition chief Alexei Navalny as a motive.
Bitcoin: The Crypto’s Unlikely Position In Media Drama
In an sudden twist, the cryptocurrency has discovered its method into this media drama. Carlson, in detailing the alleged interview provide, specified that Johnson had expressed a choice for one million {dollars} in BTC.
BTCUSD buying and selling at $51,770 on the 24-hour chart: TradingView.com
The explanations behind this choice stay unclear, however the point out of Bitcoin provides an intriguing layer to the unfolding story. Johnson’s workforce has not commented on this particular element, leaving room for hypothesis concerning the position and significance of the crypto within the proposed interview.
The main digital asset that has witnessed outstanding worth development over the previous decade, has develop into a subject of curiosity in monetary circles worldwide. Johnson, conscious of Bitcoin’s excellent efficiency, is claimed to imagine in its continued success.
This perception is rooted in Bitcoin’s historical past of considerable worth improve, from a mere $0.003 in 2010 to about $69,000 in 2021. The latest approval of 11 spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds by the US Securities and Trade Fee (SEC) additional solidifies the crypto asset’s standing as a premier asset.
The Intersection Of Politics And Cryptocurrency
The convergence of politics and cryptocurrency on this narrative provides a layer of complexity to the already controversial alternate between Johnson and Carlson. The usage of Bitcoin as a proposed fee technique raises questions concerning the rising affect and acceptance of cryptocurrencies in mainstream transactions.
Because the political discourse intertwines with the monetary panorama, the story underscores the evolving nature of media, politics, and the position of rising applied sciences like Bitcoin in shaping these dynamics.
Featured picture from Pexels, chart from TradingView