Ryan Selkis, the founder of crypto data analytics and research firm Messari, announced his resignation as CEO on Friday, citing that his controversial political posts on social media had put his team at risk for the first time in 6.5 years. In a statement on X, Selkis wrote: “This week was the first week in 6.5 years that my politics and rhetoric put the team in harm’s way. As such, I have decided to step aside as CEO.” The decision followed his vehement reaction to the assassination attempt on former U.S. President Donald Trump.
The Controversial Posts
After the attempt on Trump’s life in Pennsylvania, Selkis posted a now-deleted message on X saying: “Anyone that votes against Trump at this point can die in a f—–g fire.” He added, “Literal war,” and later stated, “The Civil War for the country started today, and if you are anti-Trump you are against the men who are willing to fight. Good luck.” In his resignation explanation, Selkis said: “If I were a Cultural Marxist hellbent on destroying the country, I would have weathered the storm. But I told the truth too many times and lost my temper after they tried to kill the President last Saturday.”
Selkis emphasized that a leader’s first responsibility is to their team. “This week was the first week in 6.5 years that my politics and rhetoric put the team in harm’s way,” he stressed. Consequently, he stepped down as CEO, appointing his friend and colleague Eric Turner as interim CEO. Turner, a key contributor to Messari’s growth since its inception, is seen as a suitable successor. Selkis will become a Senior Advisor, actively involved in Messari’s long-term strategy, expressing confidence in Turner’s leadership and the team’s ongoing success.
Personal Reflection and Future Direction
On a personal note, Selkis shared: “I was horrified at the attempted assassination of President Trump this past Saturday, and have been disgusted at the media and administration’s abject failures at pressing for answers in the attack’s aftermath, as well as their failure to tamp down divisive rhetoric that contributed to the attack in the first place.” He added: “I will be channeling all of my energies into addressing the underlying issues that have led to these systemic problems in our institutions.”
Messari is a well-known crypto data analytics and research firm that provides market intelligence to investors. Selkis’s resignation has sparked broad discussion within the crypto industry, with some praising his courage to stand by his political beliefs and others arguing that a CEO should maintain professional neutrality. The company has not yet announced a permanent CEO, and Turner will continue to lead the company’s operations.