Trump pitches himself as ‘crypto president’ at San Francisco tech fundraiser

Former President Donald Trump recently positioned himself as a strong advocate for cryptocurrency at a high-profile San Francisco fundraiser. 

The event, hosted by tech venture capitalists David Sacks and Chamath Palihapitiya in the affluent Pacific Heights neighborhood, raised an impressive $12 million for his campaign. Trump criticized Democratic efforts to regulate the industry, portraying himself as the “crypto president” and promising a more supportive stance towards digital assets.

Trump’s Crypto Stance and Industry Response

Trump’s declaration of support for cryptocurrency comes when the industry faces increased regulatory scrutiny. The past year saw several high-profile bankruptcies among major crypto firms, which led to significant investor losses and exposed numerous cases of fraud and misconduct. Despite these challenges, Trump emphasized the importance of the crypto sector and expressed his strong backing, though he did not provide specific details about his proposed policies.

The crypto industry, eager to influence U.S. political discourse, welcomed Trump’s statements. Republican National Committeewoman Harmeet Dhillon highlighted Trump’s commitment to halting what he called the “Biden-Gensler crusade against crypto.” This refers to SEC Chair Gary Gensler’s efforts under the Biden administration to implement stricter regulations on the industry.

High-Profile Support and Biden’s Regulatory Approach

The fundraiser attracted notable crypto world figures, including Coinbase executives and prominent investors like Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss. Their attendance underscores a growing trend among Silicon Valley venture capitalists and crypto investors who favor Trump’s less regulatory approach. This support contrasts sharply with the predominantly liberal leanings of San Francisco.

Under President Joe Biden, the White House has taken steps to ensure the responsible development of digital assets. An executive order signed in 2022 directed agencies like the SEC and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission to develop rules addressing risks in the crypto ecosystem. White House spokesperson Robyn Patterson stated that the administration supports innovation while also aiming to protect consumers from the potential dangers associated with new technologies.

Trump’s promise to curb regulatory efforts resonates with industry leaders who are concerned about what they perceive as excessive regulation. Figures like Jacob Helberg, an adviser to Palantir, voiced strong support for Trump’s commitment to swiftly ending stringent regulatory measures.