- Ryan Selkis steps down as Messari CEO after controversial Trump-related social media posts, transitioning to Senior Advisor.
- Eric Turner named interim CEO of Messari, following Selkis’s resignation over incendiary comments and growing controversy.
- Selkis to focus on addressing systemic institutional problems, remains active in Messari’s long-term strategy.
Ryan Selkis, founder of Messari, has stepped down as CEO following controversial social media posts. He will transition to Senior Advisor while Eric Turner takes over as interim CEO. Selkis emphasized the importance of a leader’s responsibility to their team, stating, “This week was the first week in 6.5 years that my politics and rhetoric put the team in harm’s way.”
Controversy Surrounding Selkis’s Social Media Posts
The controversy began after an attempt on former President Donald Trump’s life in Pennsylvania. Selkis posted on X, stating, “Anyone that votes against Trump at this point can die in a f—–g fire.” He added, “The Civil War for the country started today, and if you are anti-Trump, you are against the men who are willing to fight.” These posts, now deleted, sparked widespread criticism.
Selkis explained his decision to step down in a social media post, stressing that his actions had endangered his team. He announced that Eric Turner, a long-time colleague and key contributor to Messari’s growth, would serve as interim CEO. Selkis will remain actively involved in Messari’s long-term strategy as a Senior Advisor.
Selkis also expressed his personal outrage at the attempted assassination of Trump. He criticized the media and administration for their handling of the incident and the divisive rhetoric that followed. “I was horrified at the attempted assassination of President Trump this past Saturday,” he stated. “I will be channeling all of my energies into addressing the underlying issues that have led to these systemic problems in our institutions.”
Future Directions for Messari and Selkis
Selkis’s endorsement of Trump and his harsh criticism of Joe Biden have fueled controversy for weeks. His incendiary comments on X, including suggesting that anti-Trump voters “die in a f*cking fire,” intensified the backlash. In a conversation with a follower on X, Selkis even questioned the individual’s immigration status and expressed a desire for their deportation after learning they were a green card holder.
Turner, now interim CEO, is seen as a suitable successor, given his contributions to Messari since its inception. Selkis expressed confidence in Turner’s leadership and the team’s continued success.
In his resignation announcement, Selkis hinted at becoming more involved in the upcoming presidential election and devoting his attention to addressing “systemic problems” in institutions. The transition marks a shift for Messari, as the company navigates the fallout from Selkis’s controversial remarks and looks to the future under Turner’s leadership.
DISCLAIMER: The information on this website is provided as general market commentary and does not constitute investment advice. We encourage you to do your own research before investing.
