Tyler Winklevoss, co-founder of crypto exchange Gemini, expressed his dismay over the absence of US Vice President Kamala Harris from a crucial cryptocurrency roundtable on August 8.
The virtual meeting, attended by senior government officials and industry leaders, was seen as crucial in shaping the future of crypto regulation in the US.
Winklevoss questioned Harris’ decision to skip the virtual event in a social media post on August 9, saying:
“All she needed was an internet connection,”
The comment was pointed, given the accessibility of the event and growing expectations for Harris to clarify her stance on crypto as she campaigns for president.
Harris’ unclear position
Harris, the Democratic Party’s presidential candidate in the upcoming 2024 elections, is facing mounting criticism over her stance on digital assets. However, recent reports claim she wants 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 pledges to end President Joe Biden’s “war on crypto” and support policies that would cement 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 position criticized by some in the industry as stifling innovation. Harris’ inability to attend the roundtable, coupled with her silence on crypto-related issues, has led many in the industry to wonder whether she will continue Biden’s policies or chart a new course.
The August 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’ Legislative Affairs Director Kristine Lucius also participated.
Endorsing Trump
The Winklevoss twins have openly supported Trump for his supportive stance and criticized the current administration’s historic actions toward the industry. They have also expressed skepticism that Democrats are moving away from their anti-crypto stance.
Harris’ absence from the roundtable is especially notable given crypto’s growing influence in the US. With approximately 50 million Americans owning digital assets, the industry is yearning for clear regulations and assurances that the US will remain a competitive environment for blockchain innovation.
As the election approaches, the crypto community is closely watching how Harris will address these concerns and whether her administration will support or hinder the sector’s growth.
Trump, on the other hand, has been clear about his intentions. He has pledged never to sell off the US government’s Bitcoin assets, fire SEC Chairman Gary Gensler and support policies aimed at creating a Bitcoin reserve.