Mayor Eric Adams traveled to Las Vegas on a taxpayer-funded trip to attend a bitcoin convention but used the opportunity to raise campaign funds. He held a lunch event where attendees were asked to contribute to his campaign at Maggiano’s Little Italy restaurant. A QR code on screen led to a donation page with preset amounts. 

NYC’s Chief Technology Officer Matt Fraser spoke before the mayor and praised blockchain and crypto as necessary tools for the city. Fraser said New York sees crypto the same way it sees running water. He then introduced Adams who declared the city is open for business. The mayor’s speech was followed by a fundraising push where guests were guided to donate and then eat lunch.

Officials Defend Roles amid Conflict Questions

Billionaire Brock Pierce hosted the event and told donors to move to the back room for lunch after giving. Organizers repeated calls for a suggested donation. City Hall says the lunch was paid for by the reelection campaign and that Fraser’s appearance was official and unrelated to donations. Press Secretary Kayla Mamelak stated Fraser left after his remarks and was not involved in the fundraiser. She also said they would work with the Conflict of Interest Board on possible reimbursements. 

“When New York City looks at crypto, blockchain and bitcoin, we don’t see it as an evolving technology; we see it as a necessary tool like running water.” – Eric Adams

Campaign spokesperson Todd Shapiro echoed that the speech was part of a blockchain event and not tied to the campaign. However the timing of speeches and fundraising raised eyebrows. The mayor’s reelection campaign recently resumed after a major criminal case was dismissed. His last campaign filing showed a jump to $155000 raised. Despite this Adams continues to face low approval ratings and has not returned to the traditional campaign trail. He relies on public speeches to present his record but has yet to win back voter support.