Tyler Winklevoss, co-founder of the Gemini crypto exchange, expressed bewilderment over US Vice President Kamala Harris’ absence from a crucial crypto roundtable meeting held on Aug. 8.
The virtual meeting, attended by high-ranking government officials and industry leaders, was seen as pivotal for shaping the future of crypto regulation in the US.
Winklevoss questioned Harris’ decision to skip the virtual event in a social media post on Aug. 9, saying:
“All she needed was an internet connection,”
The remark was pointed, given the accessibility of the event and the mounting expectations for Harris to clarify her stance on crypto as she campaigns for the presidency.
Harris’ unclear stance
Harris, who is the Democratic Party’s presidential candidate in the upcoming 2024 election, is facing increased scrutiny over her position on digital assets. However, recent reports claim she is looking to “reset” her relationship with the industry.
Her main rival, former President Donald Trump, has made his pro-crypto stance a cornerstone of his campaign. He vows to end President Joe Biden’s “war on crypto” and support policies that would bolster the US as a global leader in blockchain innovation.
Biden, who endorsed Harris after announcing he would not seek re-election, has maintained a cautious approach to crypto, a stance that some in the industry have criticized as stifling innovation. Harris’ failure to attend the roundtable, coupled with her silence on crypto-related issues, has left many in the sector questioning whether she will continue Biden’s policies or chart a new course.
The Aug. 8 roundtable featured several key players in the crypto and blockchain industry, including Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse, Circle CEO Jeremy Allaire, and Coinbase Chief Legal Officer Paul Grewal.
Senior White House officials, such as Deputy Treasury Secretary Wally Adeyemo, National Economic Council Director Lael Brainard, and Harris’ Director of Legislative Affairs Kristine Lucius, also participated.
Endorsing Trump
The Winklevoss twins have openly endorsed Trump for his supportive stance and criticized the current administration’s historical actions toward the industry. They have also expressed skepticism about Democrats pivoting away from their anti-crypto stance.
Harris’ absence from the roundtable is particularly notable given crypto’s growing influence in the US With approximately 50 million Americans holding digital assets, the industry is eager for clear regulatory direction and assurances that the US will remain a competitive environment for blockchain innovation.
As the election draws nearer, the crypto community is watching closely to see how Harris will address these concerns and whether her administration will support or hinder the sector’s growth.
In contrast, Trump has been clear about his intentions. He has pledged to never sell the US government’s Bitcoin holdings, to fire SEC Chair Gary Gensler, and to back policies aimed at establishing a Bitcoin reserve.
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