On September 15th, former U.S. President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump once again became the target of an assassination attempt. Just two months after the previous shooting incident, Trump narrowly escaped another potentially fatal attack. Looking back to July 13th, Trump was shot at during a campaign rally in Pennsylvania, suffering a minor injury to his right ear. These alarming incidents have thrust both his campaign and personal safety into the spotlight, reigniting conversations about his connections with cryptocurrency.
Since current President Joe Biden announced on July 21st that he would not seek re-election in 2024, Trump’s main rival has shifted from the 81-year-old Biden to Vice President Kamala Harris, who is nearly 20 years younger. As Harris's approval ratings rise, Trump’s once solid chances are now facing increased uncertainty.
Against this tense campaign backdrop, Trump has begun making significant overtures to the cryptocurrency industry. At the Bitcoin Conference on July 27th, he publicly stated that if re-elected, he would fully support the development of cryptocurrencies, promising to make the U.S. a "Bitcoin superpower." While the practicality and credibility of these promises remain to be seen, it is clear that Trump is aiming to win over voters in the crypto space.
From “Crypto Skeptic” to “Crypto Advocate”
Trump’s stance on cryptocurrency has undergone a dramatic transformation. As a traditional business tycoon born in 1946, Trump initially held a very conservative view of crypto assets. In 2019, he publicly criticized Bitcoin on Twitter, calling it “highly volatile and based on thin air,” and stated that he was “not a fan” of crypto assets. He also repeatedly warned that Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies could be used for illegal activities such as money laundering and drug trafficking.
However, since leaving office, Trump’s views on cryptocurrency have gradually evolved. While he continued to express skepticism about cryptocurrencies in several media interviews, he also acknowledged their growing market momentum. As he announced his intention to run for president again in 2022, his stance became noticeably more favorable toward the crypto industry. In December 2022, Trump officially entered the crypto asset market by launching an NFT series featuring his personal image. This move marked Trump’s shift from a crypto skeptic to a market participant.
Crypto Campaign Strategy
Trump's crypto strategy has taken center stage in his 2024 campaign. As a presidential candidate, he frequently expresses his support for cryptocurrencies in public appearances, particularly during the Bitcoin Conference, where he laid out a series of crypto-related campaign promises. These promises include:
- Legalizing Bitcoin payments and promoting a regulatory framework: Trump pledged to push for the legalization of Bitcoin payments and to establish a proper regulatory framework to support its growth.
- Reducing regulatory crackdowns on cryptocurrencies: He made it clear that if re-elected, he would avoid imposing restrictive regulations on cryptocurrency usage and encourage crypto businesses to flourish domestically.
- Pardoning Silk Road founder: Trump also promised to reduce the sentence of Silk Road founder Ross Ulbricht, which has drawn attention from certain supporters within the crypto community.
- Bitcoin Reserve and Advisory Committee: He proposed the creation of a national Bitcoin reserve and a cryptocurrency advisory committee to enhance the U.S.’s global competitiveness in the sector.
- Opposing Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDC): Trump emphasized that he would strongly oppose the launch of CBDCs, arguing that Bitcoin mining is the last line of defense against CBDCs.
- Supporting crypto asset innovation and economic growth: Trump promised to drive crypto asset innovation and ensure that job opportunities in the crypto industry remain in the U.S. under his leadership.
Cryptocurrency and Female Voters
Trump's frequent emphasis on cryptocurrency in his 2024 campaign highlights his attempt to win over more female voters through this strategy. In recent years, women’s participation in the cryptocurrency and blockchain industry has been steadily increasing, making the industry more inclusive and diverse. From NFT art to DeFi financial innovations, more and more women are becoming key drivers in this space. Trump has recognized this trend and is working to bridge the gender divide by using cryptocurrency as a way to appeal to a broader range of voters.
Trump’s active involvement in the cryptocurrency market, such as launching an NFT series and making promises to crypto businesses, is undoubtedly aimed at attracting the attention of this emerging female demographic. His latest NFT series particularly highlights interactivity and community engagement, offering virtual events and opportunities to interact with Trump himself. These moves not only showcase Trump’s participation in the crypto market but also reflect his intention to leverage technological innovation to expand his voter base.
Campaign Prospects and the Future of Cryptocurrency
As the U.S. presidential election draws closer, Trump’s campaign is increasingly focusing on his interest in the cryptocurrency space. His campaign promises are not just about securing crypto industry votes but are also a strategic move for future technological developments. Whether or not Trump secures the presidency in 2024, his attention to and promises regarding the crypto market will undoubtedly have a profound impact on the industry.
In this highly anticipated election year, the future of cryptocurrency may be closely tied to Trump’s political fate. U.S. policy in this area will become clearer as the next president is elected. For women seeking financial independence and technological innovation through crypto assets, Trump’s policy shift and campaign commitments may offer new opportunities and challenges.
This election is not just a traditional political contest but a battle between technology and the future economy. The rise of cryptocurrency also provides women with more opportunities to participate in and have a voice in the global economy. As Trump’s campaign slogan suggests, behind the idea of “Making America Great Again” could be the emergence of a movement to “Make Cryptocurrency Great.”
