President Joe Biden’s re-election campaign has reportedly initiated a significant outreach to the crypto industry, according to a new report from The Block. Marking a notable shift from his previous stance, this engagement, which reportedly began approximately two weeks ago, involves seeking guidance from key figures in the crypto sector on community and policy matters. Sources familiar with the ongoing discussions highlighted to The Block that this is a substantial change in tone from the Biden administration’s earlier approach to digital assets.
The outreach effort comes in the wake of backlash against the Biden administration’s plan to veto the repeal of SAB 121, a controversial legislative measure criticized for potentially deterring financial institutions from offering crypto asset custody services. This move is seen as a response to the growing recognition of the crypto industry’s significance and its potential impact on the upcoming presidential race, which is expected to be closely contested.
The Biden campaign’s new approach follows former President Donald Trump’s recent announcement that his campaign would accept crypto donations. Trump has also made pro-crypto and anti-Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) remarks at the 2024 Libertarian National Convention. This development highlights the increasing importance of digital assets in the political landscape, with both major candidates vying for the support of the crypto community.
Trump’s campaign has positioned him as a pro-crypto candidate, starkly contrasting his earlier skepticism towards digital currencies. His campaign’s acceptance of crypto donations is part of a broader strategy to build a crypto following and appeal to a demographic increasingly drawn to digital assets. This move has been framed as a stand against perceived government control over financial decisions, aligning with Trump’s broader political messaging. Trump’s campaign has embraced digital asset donations, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other cryptocurrencies, marking a significant shift in his stance towards the industry.
The Biden campaign’s outreach has been met with mixed reactions within the crypto industry. While some view it as a positive step towards understanding and integrating digital assets into the broader financial system, others remain skeptical, seeing it as a late attempt to gain favor with pro-crypto voters. Despite this skepticism, the engagement reflects a growing awareness of the sector’s potential impact on the election and the need for policies that support innovation and growth within the industry.
As the 2024 presidential election approaches, the role of crypto is becoming increasingly central. Both Biden and Trump are making significant efforts to engage with the crypto community, recognizing its growing political clout. The outcome of these efforts will likely shape the future of digital asset regulation and the broader financial landscape in the United States.
Ripple has also highlighted the 2024 US election as a crucial juncture for the crypto industry, contributing $25 million to Fairshake, a federal super PAC that backs pro-crypto candidates. This move illustrates the increasing political engagement of major crypto firms and their efforts to influence policy in favor of the industry.
Additionally, a recent survey by Public Opinion Strategies found that US voters who own crypto favor Donald Trump over Joe Biden in the upcoming election, with a 9% divide. This shift in voter sentiment reflects the growing importance of crypto policy in the political arena and the potential impact on the election outcome.
Senator Cynthia Lummis, a vocal advocate for pro-crypto legislation, believes that recent victories in Congress signal a promising future for the sector. Many in the industry share this optimism, seeing the upcoming election as a pivotal moment for the future of digital assets in the US.
The Biden campaign’s recent engagement with the crypto industry signifies a notable shift in tone, reflecting a new willingness to understand digital assets and their communities. This change comes as the campaign acknowledges the potential impact of crypto-related issues on the presidential race, which is expected to be closely contested.
