- Major crypto companies, including Ripple, Kraken, Coinbase, and Circle, have made significant donations to Trump’s inaugural fund.
- Ripple donated $5 million in XRP, while Coinbase, Kraken, and Circle each contributed $1 million.
- The crypto industry is hosting an inaugural ball and vying for influence in Trump’s upcoming administration.
- A crypto advisory council is expected to be formed, potentially including key industry CEOs.
Some of the biggest players in the crypto space are making their presence felt as Trump prepares for his second term. Ripple, Kraken, Coinbase, and Circle have all made substantial donations to Trump’s inaugural fund, signaling a clear interest in getting a seat at the table as the new administration takes shape.
Big Contributions, Bigger Intentions
https://x.com/AbsGMCrypto/status/1877381707961118893
Circle, the company behind the USDC stablecoin, contributed $1 million worth of its token. Kraken, a U.S.-based crypto exchange, matched that with its own $1 million donation. Not to be outdone, Coinbase, one of the most recognized names in crypto, also kicked in $1 million.
https://x.com/RoundtableSpace/status/1870271473128222774
Ripple went further, donating $5 million in XRP. That’s not surprising, considering Ripple’s huge XRP reserves, which have shot up in value—by over $85 billion—since Trump’s reelection in November.
Why Are They Doing This?
These donations aren’t just about goodwill; they’re strategic moves. Coinbase’s VP of U.S. Policy, Kara Calvert, put it plainly: “We want to work with the administration and Congress to finally create clear rules for crypto.”
Trump’s second term is being seen as a critical opportunity for the crypto industry to shape U.S. regulations, which have been murky at best.
Advisory Council in the Works?
There’s talk of a new crypto advisory council forming shortly after Trump’s inauguration. This group could include about two dozen industry leaders—CEOs, founders, and insiders who want to help steer the administration’s policies on digital assets.
David Sacks, the incoming White House AI and crypto czar, is reportedly leading the charge, and potential council members are already being considered. For the crypto world, this is a chance to have direct influence on the rules that could define their future.
What’s the Bottom Line?
The crypto industry is clearly making a big play to align with Trump’s administration. With millions in donations, high-profile events, and lobbying efforts underway, these companies are hoping to shape the next chapter of U.S. crypto policy.
Whether this strategy pays off remains to be seen, but one thing’s for sure: crypto is no longer content to sit on the sidelines.
