38tão alongside Alckmin at controversial book launch about Bitcoin in Brasília

The joint appearance of Renato 38tão, a maximalist Bitcoin influencer, with Vice President Geraldo Alckmin sparked mixed reactions on social media. The meeting took place during the launch of the translation of the book “Thanks to God for Bitcoin” at the Travessa bookstore, located in the Casapark shopping mall in Brasília. Although 38tão emphasized that it was not a planned encounter, the photo with Alckmin and Pedro Giocondo Guerra, the vice president’s chief of staff, raised questions about the influencer’s political positions.

The unexpected meeting that triggered controversy

Right after the event, the profile República commented on the presence of the two, highlighting that Guerra had previously publicly supported the creation of a Bitcoin Strategic Reserve in Brazil. This observation sparked a series of criticisms directed at 38tão, especially from followers who have supported him since he advocated a firm stance on political principles.

Critics noted an apparent contradiction: the influencer had previously argued that people should be judged by their actions, not by their words. For some followers, taking a photo with Alckmin — politically aligned with the PSDB — while publicly criticizing President Lula, showed inconsistency in his message.

Divergences on social media: defense and questioning

The profile @1ravrok responded with a strong critique: “Sorry Renato, but it was you who taught me to judge someone by what they do and not by what they say they do. Your stance shouted very loudly in these photos.” The message reflected the perception that Renato 38tão had violated his own principles by appearing with a controversial political figure to his critics on the left.

However, not everyone agreed with the criticisms. User @ualifiaraujo argued that refusing to be photographed at an open event would be impractical: “If you’re launching a book and someone approaches, you don’t run away from your launch because of that… whoever it is.”

38tão’s response: principles above ideology

Renato 38tão clarified his position through posts on X during the early morning hours. According to him, his mission goes beyond political divisions: to spread ideas about Bitcoin and the “truth” to any audience willing to listen, regardless of their party affiliations. He emphasized that he does not support PSDB or Alckmin as politicians, but treats them cordially, just as he would any activist or public official who shows openness to dialogue.

38tão reaffirmed that his priority is universal outreach: he would be willing to take a photo with anyone interested in understanding the world’s leading cryptocurrency. For him, the Bitcoin cause transcends party loyalty considerations.

Why the vice president attended the event

Alckmin’s presence was probably facilitated by Guerra, his chief of staff. An economist and cryptocurrency scholar, Guerra advocates that Brazil needs a stronger currency with greater purchasing power to fund critical national projects like sanitation and public education.

For Guerra, Bitcoin, due to its scarcity and technical resilience, represents a viable solution. His view aligns with the maximalist current: he dismisses other cryptocurrencies, arguing that true innovation is concentrated in Bitcoin, not just the blockchain technology behind it. He sees Bitcoin as a response to the 2008 financial crisis and as a tool to increase government efficiency.

The book and its message about money and Bitcoin

“Thanks to God for Bitcoin” is a collection published in 2020 that explores fundamental questions: what constitutes money, its moral dimension, and how the current financial system was structured to benefit a few while harming millions.

The work traces the origin, deterioration, and possible rehabilitation of money, presenting Bitcoin as an alternative to restore trust and hope amid a weakened financial system. The book serves as an intellectual foundation for arguments like those defended by Guerra and propagated by influencers like Renato 38tão.