Jesse Powell, the co-founder of Kraken, has announced on X that he has personally donated $1 million, mostly in Ether, to Donald Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign.
Powell emphasized his support for Trump as the only major party candidate currently advocating for pro-crypto policies.
“I am excited to join other leaders from our community to unite behind the only pro-crypto major party candidate in the 2024 Presidential election so the United States can continue to remain a leader in blockchain technology.”
Related: Biden-Trump debate: Crypto goes completely unmentioned
Powell critiques Biden administration
Powell criticized current President Joe Biden’s regulatory approach toward the crypto industry in the post.
Powell accused officials like Senator Elizabeth Warren and Securities and Exchange Commission Chair Gary Gensler of diminishing United States competitiveness.
“For too long, the crypto industry has been under attack by Elizabeth Warren, Gary Gensler and others.”
Rudy De La Cruz, general and strategic partner at BasedVC, told Cointelegraph that there is “an air of optimism" in the crypto industry.
“According to a Grayscale survey, this is an issue of concern among Americans, though voters are split. [...] Organizations and wealthy crypto entrepreneurs supporting candidates who are friendly to the crypto industry is not that surprising.”
Related: Donald Trump says his campaign will accept crypto
Powell: Pro-Trump, pro-Ulbricht
Powell believes that Trump’s candidacy in the upcoming 2024 presidential election offers a chance for the U.S. to lead in blockchain technology.
Hi post, which included a photo of Powell and Trump reinforcing the alliance, also included the hashtag #freeross, a reference to Ross Ulbricht.
Ulbricht was sentenced to life in prison without parole plus 40 years in 2015 for creating and operating the online black market Silk Road, which was used to purchase goods and services anonymously.
Related: Donald Trump doubles down on crypto support at fundraiser event: Report
RFK Jr. to pardon Ulbricht if elected
On June 20, U.S. presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. stated in an X post that he would free Ulbricht if elected in November.
“Ross Ulbricht has been in prison far too long. Two life sentences for hosting an e-commerce platform. Yes, illegal activity took place there, but come on.”
RFK Jr. also stated that he would be signing a petition to ask for his release and encouraged readers to do the same.
Magazine: As Ethereum phishing gets harder, drainers move to TON and Bitcoin