Can Trump’s self-proclaimed ‘crypto president’ status influence voters after being convicted?
Former President and presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump is once again reaching out to the cryptocurrency community for support in his campaign against President Joe Biden in the upcoming 2024 election. This time, he has dubbed himself as “the crypto president” if he emerges victorious on Nov. 5. Trump made this declaration during a fundraiser held in the affluent Pacific Heights neighborhood, hosted by prominent Tech venture capitalists David Sacks and Chamath Palihapitiya.
The event saw a mix of influential guests, including executives from crypto exchange Coinbase, the Winklevoss twins, and other key players in the cryptocurrency industry. Trump’s message resonated with tech industry figures who are increasingly looking to influence U.S. policymakers amidst heightened regulatory scrutiny in the Web3 sector. The fundraiser raised a substantial million for Trump’s campaign, underlining the support he is garnering from the cryptocurrency community.
While Trump emphasized the significance of Bitcoin (BTC) and other cryptocurrencies, he did not provide specific details on his proposed crypto policy. However, he did vow to oppose any regulations on the crypto industry under Biden’s administration. Notably, the Biden administration has shown some support for the cryptocurrency industry, signing an executive order in 2022 to promote responsible development within digital assets. This move called for regulatory agencies like the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission to establish rules addressing risks within the cryptocurrency ecosystem.
Despite San Francisco’s liberal reputation, local venture capitalists and cryptocurrency investors are showing growing support for Trump, citing concerns over excessive regulation as a key reason for their backing. In contrast, a Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted after Trump’s felony conviction on May 31 revealed that one in 10 Republicans may be less inclined to vote for him following the guilty verdict.
On the other hand, President Biden has taken a nuanced approach to the cryptocurrency industry, focusing on fostering responsible innovation while addressing risks for consumers and the financial system. His Executive Order on Crypto emphasizes technological leadership in digital assets and supports responsible innovation, striking a balance between oversight and the benefits of cryptocurrency. The administration’s support for the Financial Innovation and Technology for the 21st Century Act (FIT21) signals a collaborative effort with Congress to develop a comprehensive regulatory framework for digital assets.
Under Biden’s administration, the SEC has actively worked on shaping the regulatory landscape for cryptocurrencies despite criticism for being overly restrictive. Additionally, the administration has addressed environmental concerns related to crypto mining, acknowledging the industry’s impact on energy consumption and advocating for sustainable practices crucial for the long-term viability of cryptocurrencies.
As the cryptocurrency industry continues to evolve and face regulatory challenges, the influence of U.S. politicians is becoming increasingly important, with both Trump and Biden taking different approaches to address the concerns and opportunities within the sector.
