Kraken Founder Donates $1 Million To Donald Trump’s Election Campaign

As a crypto investor with a deep interest in the industry’s political landscape, I find Jesse Powell’s decision to donate $1 million to Donald Trump’s 2024 election campaign an intriguing development. Powell’s announcement, primarily in Ethereum (ETH), underscores the growing involvement of the crypto community in US electoral politics.


Jesse Powell, the founder and chairman of Kraken, a prominent cryptocurrency exchange, has contributed $1 million to Donald Trump’s presidential campaign for 2024. This significant donation, largely made up of Ethereum (ETH), signifies an important milestone in the involvement of the crypto community in American political elections.

Jesse Powell, formerly the CEO of Kraken, shifted to the position of chairman within the company in 2022. In a lengthy statement posted on X, Powell expressed his endorsement for Trump’s candidacy in the 2024 Presidential election due to his pro-crypto stance. “I am thrilled to align with other influential figures from our industry as we rally behind the most crypto-friendly major party candidate in the upcoming election,” Powell explained, emphasizing the significance of maintaining US leadership in blockchain technology.

The Crypto Industry Stands United Behind Trump

The crypto community’s increasing disappointment with the Biden administration’s regulatory approaches has led Powell to support Trump. These strategies are viewed as excessively restrictive and harmful to the innovation in the crypto sector. Powell particularly objected to what he described as the “unchecked regulation by enforcement” under the current administration, criticizing figures like Senator Elizabeth Warren and SEC Chair Gary Gensler, who are perceived as unfavorable towards cryptocurrencies.

Crypto entrepreneurs and investors in the United States express significant worry over regulatory hurdles, as they fear overly restrictive policies may impede the country’s competitiveness against other nations with more lenient crypto regulations. Powell’s remarks echo a growing apprehension that the US could lose ground in the global chase for blockchain innovation and dominance if it fails to adapt its regulatory framework accordingly.

Trump’s stance on Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies has undergone a notable transformation throughout the years. At first, he expressed skepticism towards these digital currencies. However, more recently, Trump has taken on a pro-Bitcoin and pro-crypto stance, as shown in numerous speeches. Additionally, his campaign opted to receive donations in various cryptocurrencies, which was a strategic move that gained approval from influential figures within the crypto community.

Prominent personalities like Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss, the co-founders of Gemini cryptocurrency exchange, and Cathie Wood, the CEO of Ark Invest, have publicly announced their support for Donald Trump. They attribute his forward-thinking approach towards cryptocurrencies as a significant reason for their endorsement. These high-profile backings hint at a possible shift in political alliances within the crypto industry.

Unlike President Joe Biden’s administration, which hasn’t openly declared its position on cryptocurrencies but covertly pursued “Operation Choke Point 2.0,” unconfirmed reports indicate that the president’s campaign has been reaching out to the crypto community. This includes exploring the possibility of accepting donations in digital assets through Coinbase Commerce, suggesting a potential shift towards embracing cryptocurrencies.

As a crypto investor, I’m closely monitoring the upcoming 2024 US presidential election and the potential impact it could have on the regulatory landscape for digital currencies. With Jesse Powell, the CEO of Kraken, making headlines for his substantial donations and public endorsement of Donald Trump, it’s clear that some crypto leaders are placing their bets on candidates who they believe will advocate for favorable regulations. This growing trend underscores the importance of staying informed about political developments and engaging in the democratic process as a crypto investor.

As an analyst, I’ve noticed that Donald Trump has dropped hints about granting a pardon to Ross Ulbricht, the mastermind behind Silk Road. This suggestion is met with approval within the Bitcoin and cryptocurrency community. Notably, Powell, who is associated with Trump, has used the hashtag “#freeross” on social media platforms, indicating Trump’s past intentions in this matter.

At press time, BTC traded at $61,541.

Kraken Founder Donates $1 Million To Donald Trump’s Election Campaign

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2024-06-28 16:11