Winklevoss lambasts Harris for skipping out on virtual roundtable
Tyler Winklevoss, the co-founder of the Gemini cryptocurrency exchange, expressed his astonishment at the absence of US Vice President Kamala Harris from a crucial crypto roundtable meeting held on August 8. The virtual meeting, attended by influential government officials and industry leaders, was considered pivotal in shaping the future of crypto regulation in the United States. Winklevoss questioned Harris’ decision to skip the event in a social media post on August 9, emphasizing that all she needed was an internet connection. The remark was particularly pointed as the event was easily accessible, and there were mounting expectations for Harris to clarify her stance on crypto, especially as she campaigns for the presidency.
Harris has been under scrutiny for her ambiguous position on digital assets as the Democratic Party’s presidential candidate in the upcoming 2024 election. Recent reports suggest that she is seeking to “reset” her relationship with the crypto industry. In contrast, her main rival, former President Donald Trump, has made his pro-crypto stance a cornerstone of his campaign, promising to end President Joe Biden’s “war on crypto” and support policies that would make the US a global leader in blockchain innovation. Biden, who endorsed Harris after announcing he would not seek re-election, has taken a cautious approach to crypto, which has drawn criticism from industry insiders who believe it stifles innovation. Harris’ absence from the roundtable, combined with her silence on crypto-related matters, has left many questioning whether she will continue Biden’s policies or chart a new course.
The August 8 roundtable featured 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’ Director of Legislative Affairs Kristine Lucius, were also in attendance.
The Winklevoss twins have openly endorsed Trump for his supportive stance on crypto and criticized the current administration’s actions towards the industry. They have expressed skepticism about Democrats shifting away from their anti-crypto position. Harris’ absence from the roundtable is particularly noteworthy given the growing influence of crypto in the US. With approximately 50 million Americans holding digital assets, the industry is eagerly seeking clear regulatory direction and assurances that the US will remain competitive in blockchain innovation.
As the election draws nearer, the crypto community is closely observing how Harris will address these concerns and whether her administration will support or impede the growth of the sector. In contrast, Trump has been clear about his intentions, pledging to retain the US government’s Bitcoin holdings, dismiss SEC Chair Gary Gensler, and pursue policies aimed at establishing a Bitcoin reserve.