The cryptocurrency world has been buzzing after Vice President Kamala Harris, a potential Democratic presidential candidate, made her first public statement about digital assets during a fundraising event on Wall Street. While her comments, pledging to protect emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and digital assets, were met with enthusiasm by some, others saw it as a sign of her support for central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) and a potential crackdown on Bitcoin.
Harris’s mention of cryptocurrencies, particularly her focus on protecting the interests of these technologies, ignited excitement among crypto enthusiasts, especially those who support her potential presidential bid. Anthony Scaramucci, CEO of investment firm SkyBridge Capital, even proclaimed that “Kamala means Bitcoin in every language.”
Adam Cochran, founder of venture fund Cinneamhain Ventures, echoed the sentiment, seeing Harris’s remarks as a victory for digital assets and a rebuke to those who doubted her pro-crypto stance. He emphasized that her statement, while modest, was a significant step forward.
Others welcomed Harris’s crypto-friendly tone but also expressed a desire for greater clarity on her specific policies. Coinbase’s Chief Policy Officer Faryar Shirzad, while recognizing the statement as “important and constructive,” highlighted that more concrete positions are needed. Jake Chervinsky, Chief Legal Officer at Variant Fund, echoed this sentiment, praising the progress while emphasizing the need for more details on how consumer and investor protection would be implemented within a crypto-friendly regulatory framework.
However, not everyone shared this optimism. Pierre Rochard, VP of Research at Riot Platforms, interpreted Harris’s statement as a sign of her alignment with Senator Elizabeth Warren, a known critic of cryptocurrencies, who advocates for CBDCs and has pushed for stricter regulations on the industry. Rochard suggested that Harris’s remarks could be interpreted as support for a potential shadow ban on Bitcoin.
Ryan Selkis, founder of on-chain analytics firm Messari, also known for his pro-Trump stance, dismissed Harris’s overture outright, implying that her focus on CBDCs signals a preference for a centralized financial system.
Following Harris’s statements, Bitcoin’s price experienced a surge, reaching $64,660 before settling back to $63,539.22. While the short-term price fluctuation may reflect initial market reactions, the long-term impact of Harris’s stance on cryptocurrencies and the potential regulatory landscape remains uncertain.
