Cryptocurrency exchange Gemini co-founder Tyler Winklevoss expressed confusion over US Vice President Kamala Harris' absence from a key cryptocurrency roundtable discussion on August 8.
The virtual conference, attended by senior government officials and industry leaders, was seen as crucial in shaping the future of cryptocurrency regulation in the United States.
In an Aug. 9 social media post, Winklevoss questioned Harris' decision to skip the virtual event, saying:
“All she needed was an internet connection.”
The remarks were timely given the event's accessibility and growing expectations that Harris would clarify her stance on cryptocurrencies ahead of the presidential election.
Harris' position is unclear
Harris, a potential Democratic presidential candidate in 2024, has faced intense scrutiny over her stance on digital assets, but recent reports suggest she is seeking to “reset” relations with the industry.
Her main rival, former President Donald Trump, has made his pro-crypto stance a pillar of his campaign, vowing to support President Joe Biden's policies to end the “crypto wars” and strengthen the U.S. as a global leader in blockchain technology.
Biden, who endorsed Harris after announcing he would not seek reelection, has maintained a cautious stance on cryptocurrencies that some in the industry have criticized as stifling innovation. Harris' absence from the roundtable, combined with her silence on crypto-related issues, has left many in the industry wondering whether she will continue Biden's policies or chart a new direction.
The roundtable on August 8 featured several key figures in the cryptocurrency and blockchain industry, including Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse, Circle CEO Jeremy Allaire, and Coinbase Chief Legal Officer Paul Grewal.
Senior White House officials also participated, including Deputy Secretary of the Treasury Wally Adeyemo, National Economic Council Director Lael Brainard and Harris' Director of Legislative Affairs Christine Lucius.
Support Trump
The Winklevoss twins have openly supported President Trump's pro-crypto stance and have criticized the administration's actions toward the industry to date, as well as expressed skepticism about the Democratic Party's reversal of course from its anti-crypto stance.
Harris' absence from the roundtable is particularly notable given the growing influence of cryptocurrencies in the U.S. With roughly 50 million Americans holding digital assets, the industry is eager for clear regulatory guidance and assurances that the U.S. will remain a competitive environment for blockchain innovation.
As the election approaches, the crypto community will be watching to see how Harris addresses these concerns and whether her administration will help or hinder the growth of the cryptocurrency sector.
In contrast, Trump has made his intentions clear: he has pledged to never sell the U.S. government's Bitcoin holdings, to fire SEC Chairman Gary Gensler, and to support policies aimed at establishing a Bitcoin reserve.
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