In her first public remarks about cryptocurrency, Vice President and Democratic nominee Kamala Harris pledged to foster an environment supportive of digital assets, highlighting the role of technology in America’s future. Speaking to donors in New York City, Harris underscored the importance of innovation in building a competitive economy, emphasizing the role of AI and digital assets in shaping the nation’s progress.
“To build that opportunity economy, I will bring together labor, small businesses, founders, innovators, and major companies. We will partner to invest in America’s competitiveness and future,” Harris said, according to Bloomberg. “We will encourage innovative technologies like AI and digital assets while ensuring consumer and investor protection. We will create a safe business environment with consistent and transparent regulations.”
Uniswap Labs CEO Hayden Adams expressed cautious optimism regarding Harris’ comments, noting on social media that while President Biden’s policies have not been favorable to crypto, Harris’ approach signals a potential shift toward innovation-friendly regulation. Adams stated, “Progress is progress; it needs to start somewhere and should be encouraged.”
This shift in rhetoric comes amid contrasting crypto-related activities by Republican nominee Donald Trump. Trump made headlines for purchasing burgers with Bitcoin at a crypto-themed bar and promoting a decentralized finance (DeFi) project called World Liberty Financial during his campaign.
Additionally, Anthony Scaramucci, founder of SkyBridge Capital and former Trump White House communications director, announced that he is collaborating with the Harris campaign on shaping crypto policy. Scaramucci has previously criticized the Democrats for mishandling crypto regulation, describing their crackdown as a “horrific mistake.”
As the race continues, market sentiment remains divided. Prediction market platform Polymarket gives Harris a narrow lead over Trump, with a 52%-47% advantage, fueled by nearly $1 billion in bets.
Summary:
Kamala Harris has made her first remarks on crypto, promising a tech-friendly administration that supports innovation in AI and digital assets while ensuring consumer protection. The comments mark a shift from the current administration’s policies, drawing both support and skepticism from industry leaders. Meanwhile, Donald Trump has been actively promoting crypto on the campaign trail, highlighting a contrast in approach between the two candidates.
