A Meme, A Flag, and a 70% Move

Hello and welcome to Crypto Intel, the twice-weekly newsletter covering the latest updates, breaking news, and exciting opportunities in the crypto world.

Not all power plays come with press releases. Some arrive disguised as treasury notes, new legislation, or a single line of code.

This week, three moves emerged from opposite corners of the crypto map. None were loud, but all were deliberate—and every one of them is already changing the terrain.

A pivot by a cult stock. A defiance from a nation. A signal from a superpower.

This isn't just momentum—it's strategy. And it's unfolding faster than most investors realize.

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Market-Moving News

The most important stories this week didn't make shockwaves—they made statements.

They didn't ask for your attention. But if you missed them, you may be late for what happens next.

Markets

GameStop Confirms $513M Bitcoin Purchase

GameStop has officially confirmed it purchased 4,710 BTC—its first major crypto investment. The move follows a March announcement outlining plans to explore alternative assets through a $1.3B convertible notes offering.

The company didn't disclose when the Bitcoin was acquired or at what price. However, the current value of the holding is estimated at around $513 million.

This marks a pivot for GameStop, which has been undergoing a broad strategic shift since the 2021 meme stock frenzy. The firm hinted at crypto ambitions earlier this year, fueling investor speculation.

In March alone, GameStop stock jumped 12% amid early rumors of crypto exposure. February whispers also triggered an 18% price rally.

GameStop shares recently closed at $35 and were trading at $36.30 in pre-market hours. The stock is up 30% in the past month and 10% year-to-date.

For investors, this adds another high-profile name to the growing list of corporate BTC holders. GameStop's pivot could trigger copycat moves from other struggling legacy brands seeking relevance, and crypto may once again play a catalyst.

Politics

IMF Pushes El Salvador to Pause Bitcoin—Again

The IMF has agreed to release $120 million to El Salvador, contingent on limiting its Bitcoin activity. The deal is part of a broader $1.4B loan agreement struck last year.

According to the IMF, the government must stop increasing its Bitcoin holdings. It also must exit operations related to the Chivo wallet by July.

Despite these terms, El Salvador's Bitcoin Office posted that it bought more BTC shortly after the IMF announcement. The government continues acquiring one Bitcoin per day.

President Nayib Bukele has stated the treasury strategy will not stop. The official tracker shows 30 BTC were added in the past month.

Currently, El Salvador holds 6,190 BTC, with an unrealized profit of $386 million. That's a 132% gain on the national Bitcoin reserve.

The IMF acknowledged that El Salvador is complying with most criteria. However, tension remains between financial oversight and sovereign crypto strategies.

For investors, this is a classic tale of global finance clashing with national policy. If El Salvador continues to push the limits, it may set a precedent for Bitcoin-backed treasuries—even if it tests the patience of traditional lenders.

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Regulation

Trump Backs Plan to Add 1 Million BTC to US Reserves

Senator Cynthia Lummis says President Trump supports the BITCOIN Act—a bill proposing the US acquire 1 million BTC over five years. The plan involves using funds from the Fed and Treasury without raising taxes.

The news broke at the Bitcoin 2025 conference, where Lummis revealed that Trump's team is also working on digital asset legislation. That includes bills on stablecoins and crypto market structure.

The proposed Bitcoin reserve would be financed through "budget-neutral" methods. No timeline has been confirmed for when purchases would begin.

Lummis says the Senate Banking Committee already passed the stablecoin bill. It could head to the floor for a vote shortly after the recess.

The White House's top crypto adviser says the GENIUS stablecoin bill is "going to pass" with bipartisan backing. That would mark a rare legislative win for the crypto sector.

Stablecoins now account for 85% of the $250B market, with tokens like USDT and USDC dominating. Advocates say dollar-backed stables could extend US financial influence globally.

For investors, this signals a dramatic shift: crypto is entering the highest levels of US policy. A formal BTC reserve could anchor digital assets in national security strategy, whether or not the bill passes.

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Future Forward

The biggest shifts rarely come with fireworks. They slip through proposals, wallet flows, and protocol patches—seen only by those looking early enough.

Catch them before the crowd, and you're not chasing momentum—you're defining it. That's the difference between reacting and shaping what's next.

Crypto Conferences:

💎 Pragma Prague 2025 (May 29, 2025)

💎 Stablecon 2025 Innovation (May 29, 2025)

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Upcoming Airdrops:

🎁 Blockasset (BLOCK) Airdrop (May 31, 2025)

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🎁 Solidus Ai Tech (AITECH) Airdrop (Jun 16, 2025)

Upcoming Token Launches:

🚀 Airas (AIRAS) IDO on Spores (May 29, 2025)

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🚀 RabitiAI (RIAI) TGE and Distribution (May 30, 2025)

Which event are you most excited for? Let us know!

Crypto Know-How: What Are Fan Tokens?

Fan tokens are a type of cryptocurrency that gives holders special perks tied to sports teams, musicians, or other celebrities. These tokens are often launched by clubs to boost fan engagement and unlock exclusive experiences.

With a fan token, you might get to vote on team decisions, access VIP merch drops, or earn rewards for showing up to matches. It's like a membership card—but one you can trade, sell, or collect.

Most fan tokens are issued on platforms like Chiliz and work on blockchains like Ethereum or BNB Chain. They usually launch via a fan token offering (FTO), similar to an ICO but focused on fan communities.

For investors, fan tokens can be fun—but volatile. Their value often rides on team performance, hype, and real-world perks—not just market fundamentals.

Everything Else

• US-listed Bitcoin spot ETFs pulled in $5.77B in May—their strongest month since November—as BTC reclaimed highs above $110K.

• Sui validators are voting on a $162M recovery plan for Cetus users after a major exploit, with the funds currently frozen pending approval.

• Jack Dorsey's Block will roll out Bitcoin payments on Square by 2026, letting merchants accept BTC or convert instantly to fiat via Lightning.

• Japanese firm Metaplanet is issuing $50M in zero-interest bonds to expand its Bitcoin holdings, pushing its treasury past 7,800 BTC.

• Nasdaq has filed for a 21Shares spot SUI ETF, kicking off the SEC review process and signaling a possible expansion of altcoin ETPs in the US.