Bitcoin (BTC) has long been referred to as “digital gold,” a secure store of value for enthusiasts of scarcity, decentralization, and self-sovereignty. As institutional interest rises, geopolitical landscapes shift, and new layers develop on Bitcoin’s stack, the question arises whether it’s time for the narrative to progress. In a recent episode of The Clear Crypto Podcast, hosts Nathan Jeffay and Gareth Jenkinson engage in a conversation with seasoned Bitcoin advocate and entrepreneur Dan Held, who posits that Bitcoin’s next phase might unveil broader functionality, from programmable use cases to more nuanced messaging that extends well beyond the crypto community. With US President Donald Trump openly endorsing Bitcoin and reportedly holding it himself, Held anticipates a regulatory and reputational transformation. He remarked, “We have the most open administration toward Bitcoin in the United States.” Held highlighted Bitcoin’s unexpected ascent amidst challenges such as China’s mining crackdowns and the Biden administration’s stringent stance on crypto banking. Yet, he noted that approximately 25% of Americans now possess Bitcoin. Looking ahead, Held and Jenkinson advocate for constructing decentralized finance (DeFi) tools on top of Bitcoin, features typically associated with blockchains like Ethereum or Solana. This move could allow for borrowing, lending, and staking, enabling users to engage with Bitcoin beyond mere holding or trading. Jenkinson emphasized the potential impact, stating, “If you can bring DeFi to Bitcoin, you’re essentially enabling people to use digital gold as the underlying asset.” Held acknowledged the ongoing tension between “Bitcoin puritans” and more moderate voices, citing the 2017 Bitcoin Cash fork as a significant divide. However, today’s evolution is unfolding without altering Bitcoin’s fundamental rules. Held stressed, “No one’s proposing to change the rules of Bitcoin; this is innovation built on top.” To listen to the full conversation on The Clear Crypto Podcast, access the complete episode on Cointelegraph’s Podcasts page, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify. Explore Cointelegraph’s array of other shows for more insightful content.