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Watch CNBC's full interview with Strategy's Michael Saylor from Bitcoin 2025

LAS VEGAS — The bitcoin treasury play that lifted Strategy’s market cap past $80 billion is now being mimicked by meme stock companies, media firms, and multinational conglomerates. But Wall Street isn’t buying all the hype.

This week, Trump Media announced plans to raise $2.5 billion to buy bitcoin, and GameStop revealed a $500 million allocation. Meanwhile, Tether, SoftBank, and Strike’s Jack Mallers unveiled Twenty One, a bitcoin-native public company expected to launch with more than 42,000 bitcoin on its balance sheet, enough to make it the third-largest corporate holder of the asset globally.

For now, the market doesn’t see the next Strategy in any of them. Trump Media shares have dropped more than 20% since the announcement, while GameStop is down nearly 17%. Strategy, formerly known as MicroStrategy, has multiplied by 26 times since the end of 2022, amassing a bitcoin stake worth over $60 billion.

“Maybe the market wanted them to buy more bitcoin,” said Strategy Chairman Michael Saylor in an interview at Bitcoin 2025 in Las Vegas. “But these are short-term dynamics. Over the long term, bitcoin on the balance sheet has proven to be extraordinarily popular.”

Saylor called Trump Media’s move “courageous, aggressive, and intelligent” — and said the flood of similar announcements marks a global shift in corporate finance.

Everywhere I go at this conference, someone says, you know, I’m working on a bitcoin treasury company in Hong Kong. I’m doing this thing in Korea. I’ve got this thing I’m working on in Abu Dhabi. We’re going to do this in the Middle East, you know, we’ve got this in the U.K., he said. “There’s an explosion of interest right now.”

Saylor said bitcoin ambassadors are “planting the orange flag everywhere on earth.”

Trump sons, top lawmakers descend on Bitcoin 2025 ahead of key legislation

What began as a fringe financial maneuver is quickly becoming a geopolitical race. Under the Biden administration, corporate bitcoin adoption was often treated as a regulatory red flag. But under President Donald Trump, the tone has changed.

In March, Trump signed an executive order establishing a U.S. Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, instructing federal agencies to treat bitcoin as a long-term store of value. The reserve will be funded entirely through bitcoin seized in criminal and civil forfeiture cases, according to White House Crypto and AI Czar David Sacks. The order also empowers the government to explore additional budget-neutral mechanisms for acquiring more bitcoin.

For the first time, the federal government will conduct a full audit of its digital asset holdings, currently estimated at more than 200,000 bitcoin. The order explicitly prohibits the sale of any bitcoin from the reserve, cementing its role as a permanent sovereign asset.

‘No force on Earth’

Vice President JD Vance this week became the first sitting vice president to address the bitcoin community directly, framing crypto as a hedge against inflation, censorship, and “unelected bureaucrats.” And in a further move to boost bitcoin, the Department of Labor rolled back guidance that had discouraged bitcoin investments in retirement plans.

“No force on Earth can stop an idea whose time has come,” Saylor said. Bitcoin is digital capital and maybe the most explosive idea of the era.

Some corners of the corporate world are still resistant. Late last year, Microsoft shareholders rejected a proposal to use some of the software company’s massive cash pile to follow Saylor’s lead. In a video presentation supporting the effort, Saylor told investors that “Microsoft can’t afford to miss the next technology wave.”

While Strategy has reaped the rewards of early adoption, Saylor suggested the market’s cooler reaction to Trump Media and GameStop may stem more from structural financing dynamics than from skepticism toward bitcoin itself.

He pointed to GameStop’s initial announcement that it was considering a bitcoin strategy, which led to a 50% pop in the stock and tenfold increase in trading volume. The company quickly capitalized on the momentum with a $1.5 billion convertible bond raise — a move he described as “extraordinarily successful.” Trump Media took a similar approach, raising capital through a large convertible bond offering.

Saylor said those financing methods can create short-term downward pressure, but that over time investors will benefit.

When it comes to Strategy, Saylor said there’s no ceiling to his bitcoin accumulation plans. His company is already by far the largest corporate holder of the cryptocurrency.

“We’ll keep buying bitcoin,” he told CNBC. “We expect the price of bitcoin will keep going up. We think it will get exponentially harder to buy bitcoin, but we will work exponentially more efficiently to buy bitcoin.”

For critics who worry that state and media actors embracing bitcoin will undermine its decentralized ideals, Saylor argues the opposite.

The network is very anti-fragile, and there’s a balance of power here,” he said. “The more actors that come into the ecosystem, the more diverse, the more distributed the protocol is, the more incorruptible it becomes, the more robust it becomes, and so that means the more trustworthy it becomes to larger economic actors who otherwise would be afraid to put all of their economic weight on the network.”

WATCH: Bitcoin heads for winning month despite return of trade war fears: CNBC Crypto World

Bitcoin heads for winning month despite return of trade war fears: CNBC Crypto World

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Ford hints that something big is coming after wiping its entire Instagram

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Ford hints that something big is coming after wiping its entire Instagram

Is the time finally coming? Will we see the electric Ford Bronco we’ve been waiting for? Is it a major rebranding? After deleting every post on its Instagram page, what is Ford up to?

Is Ford teasing an electric Bronco, a major rebrand?

The Bronco is a fan favorite and one of Ford’s top-selling nameplates, so why not an electric version? Well, that may not be a pipedream after all. Or, maybe we are just being hopeful.

Either way, Ford just cleared its entire Instagram page across multiple accounts. The Ford Bronco, Ford Electric, Ford Mustang, and Ford Trucks pages have all been wiped.

The accounts now have one sole story that shows the Ford logo, followed by its “Built Tough” branding, a Mustang logo, a Bronco logo, a Lightning bolt, and the side-eye emoji.

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So, what exactly is Ford teasing? Most of the speculation on social media believes Ford is gearing up to introduce a major rebrand, which could include a new look for some of its top-selling models like the Bronco, Mustang, F-150 Lightning, and others.

(Source: Ford)

On Monday, Ford introduced the new 2026 F-150 Lightning STX variant. The new trim replaces the current XLT model with added driving range and off-road capability, but the same starting MSRP.

Although the American automaker has delayed several major EV initiatives, including its three-row electric SUV, Ford is betting on its new low-cost platform for the future.

Ford-Universal-EV-platform
Ford Universal EV Platform (Source: Ford)

The automaker promises its new Ford Universal EV Platform will be key to unlocking more affordable, more efficient electric vehicles.

Ford’s team in California is led by former Tesla engineer Alan Clarke and filled with former Rivian, Lucid, and Apple employees. The company will use LFP batteries manufactured in Michigan with licensed tech from China’s CATL to lower costs.

Up first will be a midsize electric pickup that will start at around $30,000. It’s expected to arrive in 2027. However, the platform is designed to cover nearly all segments, including trucks, crossovers, SUVs, and possibly sedans.

Ford seems to be up to something big here. It’s not often an automaker wipes its entire social media account. Check back soon for the big news.

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EcoFlow power stations up to 62% off + bonus savings from $90, Anker SOLIX EverFrost 2 coolers start from $599 low, more

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EcoFlow power stations up to 62% off + bonus savings from , Anker SOLIX EverFrost 2 coolers start from 9 low, more

Headlining today’s Green Deals is EcoFlow’s Home Backup/Hurricane Preparedness Sale that is continuing the Labor Day savings going with up to 62% discounts, as well as bonus 5% and 7% savings. Among the lineup, we spotted the returning launch prices on EcoFlow’s new TRAIL series power stations at their lowest prices starting from $113. From there, we also have Anker’s three sizes of SOLIX EverFrost 2 Electric Coolers and bundles starting from a $599 low, as well as Vanpower’s City Vanture Urban Commuter e-bike dropping back to $799, and much more waiting for you below. Plus, there are all the hangover deals collected at the bottom of the page, like yesterday’s Anker SOLIX C1000 Gen 2 Power Station launch deals, the extra battery bundle on Rad Power’s RadWagon 4 Cargo e-bike, and more.

Head below for other New Green Deals we’ve found today and, of course, Electrek’s best EV buying and leasing deals. Also, check out the new Electrek Tesla Shop for the best deals on Tesla accessories.

While its Labor Day event has ended, EcoFlow is still far from done offering discounts with its current Home Backup/Hurricane Preparedness Sale running through September 14. Among the lineup, we’ve spotted returning deals (and officially new lows) on the new TRAIL series of power stations, with the TRAIL 200 DC 60,000mAh Portable Power Station back at $113.05 shippedafter using the sitewide code 25EFDCAFF at checkout for an additional 5% taken off your order, while the TRAIL 300 DC 90,000mAh Portable Power Station is at $151.05 shippedafter using the same promo code. They’d normally fetch $200 and $250 at full price, which we saw brought down to these same rates during last month’s launch. This sale gives you another shot at the best prices we have tracked, saving you $87 and/or $99 off the respective models. Head below for more on these and the other offers we’re seeing during EcoFlow’s Home Backup sale.

A quick note on the bonus savings we’re seeing during EcoFlow’s Home Backup/Hurricane Preparedness Sale: while the brand is offering a 5% automatic discount on orders between $2,000 and $5,000, you can skip the pricing threshold by using the sitewide discount code 25EFDCAFF at checkout, while orders over $5,000 with benefit from an automatic 7% discount being applied in your cart. Not only that, but for the cost of 1,000 EcoCredits, you can unlock and spin the brand’s Lucky Draw Wheel twice for guaranteed gifts/savings.

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The new TRAIL series of power stations gives you reliable backup within the brand’s most compact designs, which rival the Anker PowerCore Reserve/C200 DC/C300 DC stations, and ALLPOWERS’ new SOLAX P100 Mini power station. EcoFlow’s TRAIL 200 DC station only weighs four pounds and brings along a 60,000mAh LiFePO4 battery, while the TRAIL 300 DC counterpart is a little bigger at nearly six pounds with a 90,000mAh LiFePO4 battery.

The TRAIL 200 DC provides you with up to 220W of output power through its two 12W USB-A ports, a 140W USB-C port, and a 100W USB-C port. Obviously, you’ll be getting a bit more output of 300W from the TRAIL 300 DC, which sports the same USB-A layout, but with two 140W USB-C ports and a 120W car outlet. They’ve both been designed with extensive protection from overvoltage, overloading, temperature spiking, and more – plus they both feature built-in woven handles to carry them from. You can charge both via a standard wall outlet at up to 200W or 280W speeds, with the 300 DC bringing a 110W max solar input into the mix for solar charging.

***Note: The extra savings has not been factored into any of the prices below, so be sure to use the code 25EFDCAFF at checkout for an additional 5% off your order until your cart total reaches $2,000 or higher.

EcoFlow’s TRAIL series power station discounts:

EcoFlow’s new RAPID series power bank discounts:

EcoFlow’s member-only bundle deals:

You can browse EcoFlow’s full Home Backup/Hurricane Preparedness Sale in our original coverage here, including the emergency and home backup deals, as well as add-on accessory savings.

people gathered around outdoor table with man getting drink from Anker SOLIX EverFrost 2 electric cooler

Save up to $770 on Anker’s three SOLIX EverFrost 2 electric coolers/bundles starting from a new $599 low

As part of its Fan Fest Sale that will be running through September 21, Anker is offering some of the best prices yet on its SOLIX EverFrost 2 Portable Electric Coolers, with the newest 23L model dropping down to $599 shipped, which beats out Amazon’s pricing by $1. While the 40L and 58L models hit the market back in March, this smaller model was just recently released at the top of June and normally fetches $799 at full price. Discounts in the time since have mostly seen slight $50 cuts from the tag, though it did drop down to $600 twice in August with Prime-exclusive savings. The deal we’re seeing during this sale comes lower than ever as $200 is cut from the going rate, giving you the lowest price we have tracked. Head below for more on this series of coolers and to check out the full lineup of deals for them.

If you want to learn more about this cooler, as well as its 40L and 58L dual-zone counterparts, be sure to check out our original coverage of these deals here.

man stands with Vanpowers City Vanture e-bike in front of brick building

Commute up to 50 miles on the 34-pound Vanpowers City Vanture urban commuter e-bike at $799

Vanpowers is offering a special promotion on its City Vanture Urban Commuter e-bike at $799 shippedafter using the code VANVIP in your cart for an additional $300 off. This e-bike would normally cost you $1,749 at full price, which is starting already down at $1,099, which is where most discounts this year have kept the costs. The extra $300 in savings, though, makes this deal all the better as it cuts a combined $950 off the tag for the best price we have tracked directly from the brand, landing as the second-lowest price behind a one-time exclusive deal from Wellbots back in January.

If you want to learn more about this lightweight commuter, be sure to check out our original coverage of this sale here.

Worx Aerocart 8-in-1 yard cart sitting in yard filled with pumpkins

For the rest of the day save $60 and bring 8-in-1 functionality to yard work with Worx’s Aerocart at $170

As part of its Deals of the Day, Best Buy is offering the Worx Aerocart 8-in-1 Yard Cart at $169.99 shipped, with the price also matching over at Amazon. When it is at full price, you’ll often find it ranging between $200 and $230, with the discounts we’ve spotted this year mostly keeping things around $173, though we’ve been seeing more recent returns to $170 and the $169 low. While it may have gone lower in past years, today’s deal gives you a $60 price cut to the third-lowest price we have tracked in 2025 – just $1 above the annual low.

If you want to learn more about this yard cart’s capabilities, be sure to check out our original coverage of this deal here.

NexLawn's Master X Series Concept robot lawn mower with arm holding ball in grass field

Best Summer EV deals!

Best new Green Deals landing this week

The savings this week are also continuing to a collection of other markdowns. To the same tune as the offers above, these all help you take a more energy-conscious approach to your routine. Winter means you can lock in even better off-season price cuts on electric tools for the lawn while saving on EVs and tons of other gear.

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The Volkswagen ID.4 looks even better in the Black Package, now available for $45K

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The Volkswagen ID.4 looks even better in the Black Package, now available for K

Volkswagen has launched a new Black Package for the 2025 ID.4, which is actually quite cool-looking. The new design package adds a distinct new look, building on the upgrades Volkswagen introduced last year.

Volkswagen ID.4 gains sleek new Black Package

After it went back on sale earlier this year, the ID.4 jumped out to become one of the most popular electric vehicles in the US.

In January, it was the third-best-selling EV in the US, behind the Tesla Model Y and Model 3. However, since then, Volkswagen has reduced output at its assembly plant in Chattanooga, Tenn., due to slower demand.

For the 2025 model year, Volkswagen is upping the ante with the new ID.4 Black Package. The new design package adds black mirror caps, door handles, badging, and 20″ black-painted aluminum-alloy wheels.

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The Black Package is now available on the 2025 S and S Plus trims, starting at $45,095 for the 82 kWh battery ID.4 Pro variant.

VW said the majority of 2025 ID.4 models are available in five trims: two entry-level models (Pro, AWD Pro), two S variants (Pro S, AWD Pro S), and one S Plus model (AWD Pro S Plus). An 82 kWh battery powers all of them.

Volkswagen-ID.4-Black-Package
The 2025 Volkswagen ID.4 with the new Black Package (Source: Volkswagen)

The base 2025 Volkswagen ID.4 Pro RWD has a starting MSRP of $45,095 with up to 291 miles of driving range. All variants are assembled in Chattanooga and include a host of upgrades from the 2024 ID.4.

Volkswagen upgraded the electric SUV with more power and driving range, a revamped infotainment system, and new AI capabilities.

Volkswagen-ID.4-Black-Package
The interior of the 2025 Volkswagen ID.4 with the new Black Package (Source: Volkswagen)

Since mid-April, all 2025 Volkswagen ID.4 models feature an updated software, which adds new features, including a door opening warning and improved seatbelt reminder. There’s also an optional Premium Speech feature with integrated AI, offering a more human-like voice assistant.

The 2025 Volkswagen ID.4 Pro RWD is currently the most affordable EV you can lease in the US, starting at just $129 per month. The offer is a 24-month lease with $2,499 due at signing.

Volkswagen is offering up to $12,350 in lease cash on select trims until the end of the month. Although some offers are regional, the ID.4 is still available for just $209 per month.

However, the generous ID.4 lease offer ends on September 30, when the federal $7,500 EV tax credit is also set to expire.

Looking to test drive the ID.4 for yourself? You can use our link to find Volkswagen ID.4 models in your area (trusted affiliate link).

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