Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and FBI Director Kash Patel will attend Bitcoin Summit 2026 to deliver speeches on developer rights and federal policy
- Key Takeaway: The 2026 Bitcoin Summit announced that Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and FBI Director Kash Patel will attend, signaling the highest levels of the U.S. government's focus on cryptocurrency legislation and free speech issues, promoting direct dialogue between developers and policymakers.
- Key Elements:
- The Bitcoin Summit 2026 will be held from April 27-29 in Las Vegas, featuring the "Code & Country 2026" policy forum focused on digital asset regulation and civil liberties.
- Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and FBI Director Kash Patel will participate in a fireside chat, discussing open-source software rights and the legal treatment of Bitcoin developers.
- The forum lineup includes core policymakers such as Senator Cynthia Lummis, SEC Chair Paul Atkins, and CFTC Chair Mike Selig.
- Other speakers include Strategy founder Michael Saylor, BlackRock's Head of Digital Assets Robert Michnick, and Czech National Bank Governor Aleš Michl.
- Director Patel's conversation is themed "Code is Free Speech," aiming to end enforcement actions against Bitcoin, reflecting the evolving direction of federal policy.
- The 2025 summit saw approximately 67,000 participants, while the 2026 series of events will expand to Hong Kong, Amsterdam, and Abu Dhabi.

Nashville, Tennessee, USA, April 22, 2026 – The world's premier Bitcoin conference, "Bitcoin Summit 2026," announced today that Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and FBI Director Kash Patel will join the event's top-tier lineup of speakers. The event will be held from April 27 to 29, 2026, at The Venetian Resort, Las Vegas.
Acting Attorney General Blanche and Director Patel will appear as guests at the "Code & Country 2026" forum. This forum, the conference's flagship policy event, will kick off at 10:30 AM on April 27 and is accessible to holders of Pro Pass and Whale Pass. It aims to facilitate direct dialogue between Bitcoin developers and U.S. policymakers—without any intermediaries—delving into legislative and regulatory issues impacting technology, civil liberties, and digital assets.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and Director Patel will participate in a fireside chat moderated by Paul Grewal. The "Code & Country 2026" forum boasts a formidable lineup of distinguished policymakers and regulators, including: Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), a key architect of landmark Bitcoin legislation in Congress; SEC Chairman Paul Atkins; CFTC Chairman Mike Selig; and Patrick Witt, Executive Director of the White House's "Presidential Digital Asset Advisory Council." The full conference speaker lineup also includes: Michael Saylor, Founder and Executive Chairman of Strategy; Robert Mitchnick, Head of Digital Assets at BlackRock; Caitlin Long, Founder and CEO of Custodia Bank; Arthur Hayes, Chief Investment Officer of Maelstrom; and Aleš Michl, Governor of the Czech National Bank.
Director Patel's fireside chat, titled "Code is Free Speech: Ending the War on Bitcoin," is expected to be one of the most anticipated sessions of the forum, offering attendees a rare opportunity for a candid conversation with the top U.S. federal law enforcement official on the intersection of open-source software, civil liberties, and digital assets.
This announcement marks a historic moment for the Bitcoin community, reflecting the high level of attention the highest levels of government are giving to Bitcoin's role in the future of finance and free speech. The "Code & Country 2026" forum takes place at a critical juncture—during a U.S. election year, when congressional agendas, committee priorities, and regulatory frameworks are being actively shaped.
"We are deeply honored to have Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and FBI Director Kash Patel at Bitcoin Summit 2026. Their addresses will undoubtedly provide profound insights into the latest evolution of federal policy regarding Bitcoin development, free speech, and the ability to build the quality products people want in the United States. Alongside Senator Lummis, Senator Moreno, and Representatives Noon, Lawler, Miller-Meeks, Begich, and other policy guests, this forum has the potential to be the most impactful policy summit in Bitcoin's history."
— Brandon Green, CEO of BTC Inc. and representative of the Bitcoin Summit 2026 organizers
"Code & Country" was formally established as a branded forum segment in 2025. Its prior agenda featured several high-ranking U.S. officials, including Vice President J.D. Vance; David Sacks, White House AI & Crypto Czar; House Majority Whip Tom Emmer; and SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce. The 2026 edition builds on this foundation, focusing specifically on energy infrastructure, stablecoin regulation, and civil liberties in the digital age.
Director Patel's participation comes at a time of heightened community interest in open-source software rights and the legal treatment of Bitcoin developers. His fireside chat is expected to provide significant insights into the federal government's future stance toward the Bitcoin development community. More speakers and event details will be announced in the lead-up to the event.
About The Bitcoin Conference
The Bitcoin Conference is organized by BTC Inc. (part of Nakamoto Inc., listed on Nasdaq as NAKA). It is the world's premier series of events, featuring renowned industry speakers, specialized workshops, exhibitions, and entertainment experiences. The conference serves as the core platform for Bitcoin industry leaders, developers, investors, and enthusiasts to gather, network, and exchange ideas. In 2025, The Bitcoin Conference's series of events across the United States, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East attracted approximately 67,000 participants.
Bitcoin Summit (Bitcoin 2026) will take place from April 27 to 29 in Las Vegas. Following this, the international tour will continue, including: Bitcoin Hong Kong (August 27-28, 2026), Bitcoin Amsterdam (November 5-6, 2026), and the Bitcoin MENA summit in Abu Dhabi in December.


