Actor Ben McKenzie Calls Crypto a 'Scam' in New Documentary

McKenzie's film 'Everyone Is Lying to You for Money' takes aim at the crypto industry and Trump's crypto ventures.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 10:57pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up of a tangle of industrial machinery and electronics, representing the complex and obscure nature of the crypto industry without using any text or identifiable elements.McKenzie's documentary exposes the hidden machinery behind the crypto industry's claims of innovation and democratization.University of Virginia Today

Actor and director Ben McKenzie is taking on the crypto industry in his new documentary 'Everyone Is Lying to You for Money.' McKenzie, who has a degree in economics, believes crypto is nothing more than a 'scam' used for gambling and criminal activity. The film also examines how former President Trump and his family have cashed in on the crypto craze, licensing their names to various cryptocurrency projects.

Why it matters

McKenzie's critique of the crypto industry comes at a time when cryptocurrencies have become increasingly mainstream, with many celebrities and public figures promoting various coins and tokens. His documentary aims to expose the manipulative practices and lack of real-world utility in the crypto space, raising important questions about the legitimacy of this rapidly growing financial sector.

The details

In the documentary, McKenzie points to practices like 'wash trading,' where crypto holders artificially inflate the prices of their coins by trading back and forth with themselves. He also calls out celebrities like Matt Damon, Tom Brady, and Larry David for appearing in pro-crypto commercials. McKenzie believes ordinary investors are being taken advantage of by the super-wealthy crypto insiders who control the vast majority of coins in circulation.

  • In 2023, McKenzie co-authored a book called 'Easy Money: Cryptocurrency, Casino Capitalism, and the Golden Age of Fraud'.
  • In 2024, former President Trump announced plans to make America the 'crypto capital of the world' and licensed his name to the '$TRUMP' meme coin.
  • McKenzie interviewed Sam Bankman-Fried, the founder of the now-collapsed crypto exchange FTX, at the height of his wealth and prestige in Manhattan.

The players

Ben McKenzie

An actor and director who has a degree in economics from the University of Virginia. He is the director of the documentary 'Everyone Is Lying to You for Money,' which takes a critical look at the crypto industry.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States who has licensed his name to various cryptocurrency projects, including the '$TRUMP' meme coin, and has plans to make America the 'crypto capital of the world.'

Sam Bankman-Fried

The founder of the now-collapsed crypto exchange FTX, who was later charged with securities fraud, money laundering, and other alleged crimes. McKenzie interviewed Bankman-Fried at the height of his wealth and prestige.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Crypto really only has two use cases that I've seen, which is gambling and crime.”

— Ben McKenzie, Director

“It's deeply fitting that a sort of fraudulent currency is now being foisted upon us, sold to us by a convicted fraudster president.”

— Ben McKenzie, Director

“It was probably the strangest hour of my life.”

— Ben McKenzie, Director

What’s next

McKenzie's documentary 'Everyone Is Lying to You for Money' is set to open in New York and Los Angeles on Friday.

The takeaway

McKenzie's documentary shines a critical light on the crypto industry, exposing the manipulative practices and lack of real-world utility that he believes are harming everyday investors. His film also highlights how prominent figures like former President Trump have cashed in on the crypto craze, further undermining the legitimacy of the industry.