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A $800 Million Bitcoin Mistake: Man Appeals to Trump for Help

James Howells, a software engineer from Wales, has made headlines again after his failed legal battle to recover a hard drive containing 8,000 Bitcoin, now worth approximately $800 million. With his options dwindling, Howells has turned to an unlikely figure for help: Donald Trump. In a recent statement, he expressed hope that the former U.S. President and President-elect might intervene to resolve his plight.

The saga began in 2013, when Howells accidentally discarded the hard drive during an office cleanup. Unbeknownst to him, the device, holding what would become a fortune, was thrown away in a black garbage bag. Ironically, it was his ex-girlfriend who physically disposed of the bag after Howells asked her to get rid of some unwanted items.

For years, Howells has been engaged in a relentless pursuit to recover the hard drive, which he believes lies buried in a Newport landfill. However, his efforts hit a significant roadblock when the Newport City Council denied his request to excavate the site, citing potential environmental risks. Following a court ruling that upheld the council’s decision, Howells described the experience as devastating. “It feels like the end of the world for me. I am now stuck with it and cannot escape it. I am stuck with it for life,” he lamented.

With no legal recourse left, Howells has sought alternative ways to gain attention and support for his cause. In what he admitted was a partly humorous comment, he suggested Donald Trump could step in to help. “Maybe Donald Trump could help make something happen. I would certainly cut Trump in on the deal if he could help,” he remarked. While the suggestion might sound far-fetched, Howells underscored his genuine desperation, adding, “I am appealing to him and anyone else who can help sort this madness.”

The scale of the loss is staggering. At Bitcoin’s all-time high of $108,135, the 8,000 BTC would have been worth $865 million. Even at current prices of roughly $99,825 per Bitcoin, the value stands at nearly $798.6 million. These figures only deepen the frustration for Howells, who can do little more than watch as his wealth remains out of reach.

While the story has captured widespread media attention and sympathy, the prospects of recovering the hard drive remain bleak. Excavating the landfill is a costly and logistically complex endeavor, further complicated by environmental concerns. For now, Howells is left clinging to hope that a stroke of extraordinary luck—or intervention from a high-profile figure—might turn his fortunes around.

His appeal to Trump may seem like a long shot, but in a situation as improbable as this, it reflects the extreme measures one man is willing to take to reclaim his lost fortune.

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