In a move that has sent shockwaves through the crypto community, tech titan Elon Musk has endorsed John Deaton, a pro-cryptocurrency candidate vying for the Massachusetts Senate seat. This endorsement comes after Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong publicly called on Massachusetts residents to vote for Deaton, criticizing incumbent Senator Elizabeth Warren’s anti-cryptocurrency stance.
Armstrong slammed Warren’s policies, accusing her of working with SEC Chair Gary Gensler to stifle the crypto industry in the U.S. He described Warren as ‘anti-freedom’ and accused her of wanting the government to control all financial services, drawing parallels to China’s system. Musk, a known crypto enthusiast, reshared Armstrong’s post on X with a simple ‘Yes,’ signaling his clear support for Deaton.
This high-profile endorsement is a significant development in the Massachusetts Senate race. Deaton, who won the Republican nomination in the primaries, is known for his strong advocacy for the crypto industry. He is a prominent figure in the Ripple Labs case against the SEC and holds a substantial portion of his wealth in Bitcoin. Deaton’s pro-crypto stance contrasts sharply with Warren’s, who has expressed concerns about Bitcoin’s potential exploitation by criminals and has called for stricter regulations in the sector.
Musk’s support for Deaton is unsurprising considering his previous political endorsements. In July, he publicly endorsed former President Donald Trump following a shooting incident at a rally in Pennsylvania. He also attended a Trump campaign event earlier this month, emphasizing the importance of the election for Trump’s campaign.
This development highlights the increasing prominence of cryptocurrency in the political landscape. As the industry continues to grow, we can expect to see more candidates with varying views on cryptocurrency vying for office, making it a key issue in future elections.