Saylor Defends Public Bitcoin Advocacy Amid MSTR Share Decline

Strategy Executive Chairman Michael Saylor has defended his public advocacy for Bitcoin as protected speech under United States law. He argued that Americans can discuss and recommend Bitcoin ownership without needing a special license, emphasizing that existing laws still prohibit fraud and market manipulation involving digital assets.

Saylor's comments come amid debates over new rules for digital assets and the Clarity Act, which seeks clearer responsibilities among federal agencies overseeing cryptocurrency markets. The legislation is set to have a procedural vote on September 15, but lawmakers still need to resolve several provisions before it can advance through the Senate.

Strategy has continued to accumulate Bitcoin as part of its corporate treasury strategy despite periods of sharp price swings across cryptocurrency markets. However, the company's shares have recently fallen about 4.2% to $138.74 after fresh volatility in Bitcoin's market performance, and are down around 56% over the past 12 months.