Kamala Harris allegedly calls Bitcoin 'money for criminals'
Hopes for the Vice President's crypto-friendly stance have faded as her campaign progresses.
Key Takeaways
- According to Bitcoin Magazine CEO David Bailey, Kamala Harris privately referred to Bitcoin as "money for criminals."
- Speculation about Harris' attendance at the Bitcoin Conference in Nashville was met with disappointment when it was confirmed that she would not participate.
Share this article
According to Bitcoin Magazine CEO David Bailey, Harris privately called Bitcoin “money for criminals.”
Bailey accused Harris of destroying the crypto industry over the past four years and teaming up with Securities and Exchange Commission Chair Gary Gensler and Senator Elizabeth Warren to push anti-crypto policies, such as Operation Choke Point.
The Biden administration has imprisoned developers and driven the industry overseas. After these actions, Harris cannot now claim to support Bitcoin, said Bailey.
“Major democrat donor told me Kamala [said] privately “Bitcoin is money for criminals,” he noted.
Bailey’s statement sparked controversy. According to Hayden Adams, the CEO of Uniswap Labs, Harris has never spoken publicly about or voted on a crypto-relevant bill. He suggested that people should not jump to conclusions without evidence.
“Fact is she has never spoken publicly about or voted on a crypto relevant bill. We shouldn’t be so quick to fill in the blank with our own priors,” Adams stated. “She likely trying to make friends not enemies right now, big opportunity.”
Harris is currently the presumptive Democratic nominee for the 2024 presidential election. Following President Biden’s announcement that he was withdrawing from the race, he endorsed Harris as his successor.
The Vice President has received major support from key Democratic leaders, including Bill and Hillary Clinton, and Elizabeth Warren, who have publicly backed her candidacy.
Earlier this week, Bailey said Harris’ campaign was in talks with his team to speak at the Bitcoin Conference, the world’s largest Bitcoin conference hosted by Bitcoin Inc. Her campaign also reached out to billionaire Mark Cuban for crypto insights.
However, a new update from Bailey revealed that Harris would not be speaking at the upcoming Bitcoin Conference 2024. He said it was not surprising, adding that her absence is indicative of ongoing tensions between the current administration and the crypto community, especially regarding regulatory approaches.
Still, Harris has not made any remarkable public statements about crypto or Bitcoin during her political career. The lack of commentary makes it difficult to determine her exact views on the matter.
Meanwhile, Republican nominee Donald Trump has embraced a pro-crypto stance. Trump has actively engaged with the crypto community and positioned himself as a crypto candidate. He will attend the Bitcoin Conference in Nashville this week, alongside other high-profile figures like Cathie Wood, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and Michael Saylor.
[Update: Adding Hayden Adams’ comment]
Share this article
