Regulation
$1 Million Bitcoin from the Winklevoss Twins
In a bold political move, the Winklevoss twins, famous for their early Bitcoin investments and co-founders of the Gemini cryptocurrency exchange, each contributed $1 million in Bitcoin to former President Donald Trump’s reelection campaign. Reuters reported it. This strong endorsement highlights a significant intersection between the worlds of cryptocurrency and politics, raising concerns and sparking debate on both fronts.
Crypto kings support Trump
Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss are no strangers to making headlines. This time they did so by diving into the political arena, supporting a candidate who once called Bitcoin a scam but has since rebranded himself as the “Crypto President.” Each twin sent 15.47 BTCwhich translates to approximately $1 million, to support Trump’s election efforts.
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I also just donated $1 million in bitcoin (15.47 BTC) to @realDonaldTrump and will vote for him in November.
Here’s the TL;DR: President Trump is:
Pro-Bitcoin
Pro-Crypto
Pro-BusinessAnd it will end the Biden administration’s war on cryptocurrencies. After you! https://t.co/r6iDP7BdbE
— Cameron Winklevoss (@cameron) June 20, 2024
Tyler Winklevoss didn’t mince words, praising Trump as “pro-Bitcoin” and “pro-cryptocurrency” while accusing President Joe Biden of waging a regulatory war against the cryptocurrency industry. He pointed to a series of enforcement actions by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) during the Biden administration, dubbing it “Operation Choke Point 2.0.”
“The Biden administration has tried to tear this down. I won’t stand by and let him do it. I will continue to fight for what I know is right.” The Guardian he quoted him as saying.
BTCUSD trading at $63,929 on the daily chart: TradingView.com
Trump’s crypto conversion
Trump’s stance on cryptocurrency has seen a dramatic evolution. In 2021, he infamously labeled Bitcoin a scam, but now courts the crypto community with open arms. This transformation is not just rhetorical; The Trump campaign actively accepts cryptocurrency donations and works closely with major players in the cryptocurrency and mining industries.
Meanwhile, Trump’s newfound support for cryptocurrency has also attracted international attention. Nayib Bukele, the president of El Salvador and a staunch supporter of Bitcoin, supported Trump’s proposal. This international dimension highlights cryptocurrency’s growing global influence and its potential to shape political dynamics beyond the United States.
The growing political weight of cryptocurrencies
The Winklevoss twins’ endorsement of Trump signals a larger trend: Cryptocurrency is becoming an essential part of the US political landscape. As candidates from both major parties interact with the industry to varying degrees, the debate over cryptocurrency regulation is heating up. The Biden administration has been criticized for its stringent regulatory measures, which some see as a hindrance to innovation and growth in the cryptocurrency industry.
Despite facing 34 felony charges with a sentencing hearing scheduled for July, Trump’s political influence remains intact. His high poll ratings suggest his turn toward cryptocurrency adoption could resonate with a significant voter base, particularly those disillusioned with Biden’s regulatory approach.
Featured image from Page Six, chart from TradingView