Crypto is making a splash in U.S. elections — but chiefly in jabs about industry influence
Crypto has become a campaign issue in the U.S. midterms, largely as Democratic candidates criticize the industry’s political spending and its ties to President Trump. Fairshake and other crypto interests have spent heavily to influence races, including at least $40 million opposing Sherrod Brown, while campaign ads funded by the sector generally avoid mentioning crypto. Critics cite Trump’s crypto earnings and industry donations as evidence of political self-dealing; the industry argues it seeks durable, bipartisan regulation. The political backlash has also complicated passage of the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act, which stalled in the Senate after Democrats sought ethics restrictions. With voters focused on corruption and control of Congress at stake, the election could reshape prospects for crypto legislation, though polling suggests crypto itself remains a low-priority voter issue.
