US Vice President Kamala Harris made her first public remarks on crypto, marking a potential departure from President Joe Biden’s more cautious stance should she win the presidency.
At a fundraiser in New York, Harris said her administration would “partner together to invest in America’s competitiveness,” pointing to artificial intelligence and crypto as key areas of focus. Bloomberg reported the comments at the event on Sunday.
Her comments were viewed as a positive step by some in the industry.
Uniswap CEO Hayden Adams said on X: “She is signalling her admin will approach it differently / be more pro-innovation.”
https://x.com/haydenzadams/status/1837958100416188698
In a nod to doubters, Adams added: “Fine if you don’t believe it. Personally, I think a positive statement from a sitting VP w/ 52% chance of being president (Polymarket) is progress.”
Harris also emphasised the importance of protecting consumers and investors while fostering innovation, stating that her administration would “create a safe business environment with consistent and transparent rules of the road.”
By lumping crypto with AI, Harris could bring new legitimacy to digital assets in the eyes of wary traditional investors.
Her approach may also appeal to institutional investors looking for more regulatory clarity.
Harris has earned endorsements from tech and finance figures including entrepreneur and crypto advocate Mark Cuban and Ripple’s Chris Larsen.
Cuban recently remarked on X: “Kamala Harris is listening to business people and getting their feedback on what’s fair and what will lead to more investment in business. She is pro-business. More supportive of entrepreneurs than any candidate in a long time.”
Despite Harris’ pro-crypto rhetoric, many in the industry remain sceptical due to her close ties to the Biden administration, which has imposed strict regulations on digital assets.
Critics argue that her promises may be more political posturing than a genuine shift in policy.
In contrast, Donald Trump has positioned himself as the candidate of deregulation, pledging to fire SEC Chair Gary Gensler, which resonates among crypto advocates seeking relief from the current administration’s heavy-handed oversight.
Crypto market movers
Bitcoin is up 1.3% over the past 24 hours to trade at $63,500.
Ethereum is up 2.3% to $2,639.
What we’re reading
Rivers of whiskey and Taylor Swift songs — how I survived a crypto party at 33,000 feet — DL News
BlackRock Bitcoin ETF Options to Set Stage for GameStop-Like ‘Gamma Squeeze’ Rally, Bitwise Predicts — CoinDesk
The Funding: Crypto VCs on a fundraising spree — The Block
Will the US presidential election define the future of crypto? — BBC
BingX dismisses $45m hack cover-up claims, restores deposits and withdrawals — DL News
Crypto Might Have Lost Me My Inheritance — Milk Road
