Election Coverage 2024

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They didn't shake hands last time, but that was during the plague. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

Trump and Biden Likely Won't Shake Hands at Debate, Prediction Market Says

Meanwhile, there's a prediction market on whether the U.K. newspaper The Guardian will correct an article unflattering to prediction markets.
They didn't shake hands last time, but that was during the plague. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
South Africa's Cyril Ramaphosa has been appointed to a new term as president. (Per-Anders Pettersson/Getty Images)
South Africa Re-Elects Cyril Ramaphosa of the ANC as President
The election results are not expected to have much of an impact on South Africa's crypto industry.
South Africa's Cyril Ramaphosa has been appointed to a new term as president. (Per-Anders Pettersson/Getty Images)
EU parliament facade (Guillaume Périgois/Unsplash)
What Do the EU Election Results Mean for Digital Assets?
Centrist parties hold power, but a right-wing majority is active on polarizing issues. The crypto industry needs to choose what it stands for, and with whom it wants to work,...
EU parliament facade (Guillaume Périgois/Unsplash)
Emmanuel Macron (Sean Gallup/Getty Images)
Macron Calls Surprise French Election That's Unlikely to Stir Crypto, Is Likely to Shake Up Government
The French president called a snap election after an unexpectedly poor showing in voting for the European Parliament.
Emmanuel Macron (Sean Gallup/Getty Images)

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The Latest News on the U.S. Election

Tyler Winklevoss and Cameron Winklevoss (L-R), creators of crypto exchange Gemini Trust Co., say they gave $1 million each to the Trump campaign. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Winklevoss Twins Say They Each Gave $1 Million to Trump Presidential Campaign

The Winklevoss brothers have become two of the first big-name crypto CEOs to cross the campaign-contribution barrier that had kept big-time donations from the presidential rac...

Tyler Winklevoss and Cameron Winklevoss (L-R), creators of crypto exchange Gemini Trust Co., say they gave $1 million each to the Trump campaign. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Jump Crypto's new $10 million donation to the industry's Fairshake PAC further bolsters the U.S. campaign juggernaut. (CoinDesk/Alexander Mils, Unsplash)
Jump Crypto Adds $10M to Industry's U.S. Political War Chest, Raising PAC to $169M

The digital assets industry's Fairshake PAC is a congressional heavyweight with recent influxes, and its latest filings will indicate it still has $109M to spend.

Jump Crypto's new $10 million donation to the industry's Fairshake PAC further bolsters the U.S. campaign juggernaut. (CoinDesk/Alexander Mils, Unsplash)
They didn't shake hands last time, but that was during the plague. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
Trump and Biden Likely Won't Shake Hands at Debate, Prediction Market Says

Meanwhile, there's a prediction market on whether the U.K. newspaper The Guardian will correct an article unflattering to prediction markets.

They didn't shake hands last time, but that was during the plague. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
(Shaleah Craighead/Wikimedia Commons, modified by CoinDesk)
Crypto Is an Election Issue This Year. Is That a Good Thing?

A new DCG-funded survey found one-in-five voters think crypto is a key issue in U.S. elections this November.

(Shaleah Craighead/Wikimedia Commons, modified by CoinDesk)
Governor Ron DeSantis, who announced his presidential campaign on Twitter. (Florida State Government, modified by CoinDesk)
DeSantis and the Growing Culture War Around Bitcoin

CoinDesk’s story this week about a fight over a bitcoin mining facility in Upstate New York reveals how cryptocurrency issues are quickly becoming politicized in familiar ways...

Governor Ron DeSantis, who announced his presidential campaign on Twitter. (Florida State Government, modified by CoinDesk)
(Dale Honeycutt/Unsplash)
ERCOT CEO: Texas' Power Grid Needs Larger Increase Than Expected to Handle AI, Bitcoin Mining

The Electric Reliability Council of Texas' CEO said in Senate testimony that the state's grid capacity will need to double in the next decade to handle demand, while the Lieut...

(Dale Honeycutt/Unsplash)
Stand With Crypto Chief Strategist Nick Carr (Nikhilesh De/CoinDesk)
Advocacy Group 'Stand With Crypto' Says It's Exceeded 1 Million Signups

The organization, backed by crypto exchange Coinbase, signed a million online members, raised millions in donations and started a U.S. campaign fund in less than a year.

Stand With Crypto Chief Strategist Nick Carr (Nikhilesh De/CoinDesk)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 28: Former U.S. President Donald Trump sits in court during his trial for allegedly covering up hush money payments at Manhattan Criminal Court on May 28, 2024 in New York City. Donald Trump arrived for closing arguments in his hush money trial ahead of the jury deciding whether to make him the first criminally convicted former president and current White House hopeful in history. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
Trump Conviction Barely Dents His Odds of Winning Election: Prediction Markets

Plus: Polymarket traders doubt Trump will go to prison; Kalshi bettors are at odds with the CME FedWatch poll on rate cuts.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 28: Former U.S. President Donald Trump sits in court during his trial for allegedly covering up hush money payments at Manhattan Criminal Court on May 28, 2024 in New York City. Donald Trump arrived for closing arguments in his hush money trial ahead of the jury deciding whether to make him the first criminally convicted former president and current White House hopeful in history. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
CEO Brian Armstrong's Coinbase has amplified its political involvement with another $25 million. (screenshot from Coinbase video)
Flood of Cash from Coinbase Gives Crypto One of the Biggest Campaign War Chests

Coinbase followed Ripple and a16z in each giving a new $25 million to their political action committee, Fairshake, as the general election approaches that may shift crypto's d...

CEO Brian Armstrong's Coinbase has amplified its political involvement with another $25 million. (screenshot from Coinbase video)
Sen. Ron Wyden, who heads the Committee on Finance, speaks at Consensus 2024. (Shutterstock/CoinDesk)
U.S. Sen. Wyden: House 'Right' to Pursue Crypto Bill, Late in Session for More Progress

The Oregon Democrat has been among his party's crypto sympathizers in the Senate, and he said there's "a long way to go" after this early burst of crypto momentum in Washingto...

Sen. Ron Wyden, who heads the Committee on Finance, speaks at Consensus 2024. (Shutterstock/CoinDesk)
Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., independent U.S. presidential candidate, speaks at Consensus 2024 in Austin, Texas. (Shutterstock/CoinDesk)
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on Trump's Guilty Verdict and Pro-Crypto Stance

The U.S. presidential candidate spoke at Consensus 2024

Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., independent U.S. presidential candidate, speaks at Consensus 2024 in Austin, Texas. (Shutterstock/CoinDesk)
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., independent U.S. presidential candidate, speaks at Consensus 2024 by CoinDesk. (CoinDesk/Shutterstock/Suzanne Cordiero)
RFK Jr. Says Guilty Verdict May Help Trump's Election Prospects

The independent presidential candidate spoke Thursday at Consensus 2024 in Austin, Texas.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., independent U.S. presidential candidate, speaks at Consensus 2024 by CoinDesk. (CoinDesk/Shutterstock/Suzanne Cordiero)
Chris Dixon of a16z Crypto announces another $25 million in U.S. campaign donations at Consensus 2024. (Jesse Hamilton/CoinDesk)
A16z Boosts Crypto's Election Fund by Another $25M to Seek Friendly Congress

After Ripple's similar addition, which put the industry's political action committees over the $100M mark this week, the additional $25M pushes the political influence into ra...

Chris Dixon of a16z Crypto announces another $25 million in U.S. campaign donations at Consensus 2024. (Jesse Hamilton/CoinDesk)
(wildpixel/Getty Images)
One-Third of U.S. Voters Say They'll Weigh Candidates' Crypto Views Before Voting: Poll

A Harris Poll glimpse of voters' crypto views – paid for by bitcoin ETF issuer Grayscale – shows increasing interest, and 77% think a U.S. presidential candidate should know c...

(wildpixel/Getty Images)

Other Major Elections

South Africa's Cyril Ramaphosa has been appointed to a new term as president. (Per-Anders Pettersson/Getty Images)
South Africa Re-Elects Cyril Ramaphosa of the ANC as President

The election results are not expected to have much of an impact on South Africa's crypto industry.

South Africa's Cyril Ramaphosa has been appointed to a new term as president. (Per-Anders Pettersson/Getty Images)
Labour Leader Keir Starmer Meets New Labour MP Chris Webb 16x9
Industry Stakeholders Believe a UK Election Won't Derail Crypto Plans

A U.K. election is expected to happen this year, but it likely won't change the trajectory of the country's crypto policy efforts.

Labour Leader Keir Starmer Meets New Labour MP Chris Webb 16x9
Mexico City (Robbie Herrera/Unsplash)
In Mexico’s Biggest Election Yet, Crypto Remains on the Sidelines

The favorite to win, Mexico City’s former Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum, is expected to remain aligned with her party’s previous position on crypto, one that focuses more on protect...

Mexico City (Robbie Herrera/Unsplash)
South African President and African National Congress (ANC) President Cyril Ramaphosa (Per-Anders Pettersson/Getty Images)
South Africa’s Election Won’t Interfere With Crypto Policy: Industry Watchers

South Africa's general elections are set for May 29, and crypto observers are paying close attention to its crypto licensing regime that's expected to clear dozens of firms.

South African President and African National Congress (ANC) President Cyril Ramaphosa (Per-Anders Pettersson/Getty Images)

India Elections

Narendra Modi greets supporters in May. (Elke Scholiers/Getty Images)
India Springs Election Surprise, Sends Equity Market Crashing With Uncertain Implications for Crypto

Any plans for comprehensive crypto legislation could be kicked further down the road after a weaker-than-forecast showing for the governing party.

Narendra Modi greets supporters in May. (Elke Scholiers/Getty Images)
(L-R) Shaktikanta Das, Governor, Reserve Bank of India and Nirmala Sitharaman, Indian Finance Minister at the G20 Annual Meetings, in Washington DC in October 2022. (Indian Ministry of Finance)
India Keeps Stiff Taxes on Crypto as Interim-Budget Is Revealed in Election Year

Expectations were low for a change in the stiff taxes on crypto transactions: a 30% tax on profits and a 1% TDS on all transactions.

(L-R) Shaktikanta Das, Governor, Reserve Bank of India and Nirmala Sitharaman, Indian Finance Minister at the G20 Annual Meetings, in Washington DC in October 2022. (Indian Ministry of Finance)
Indian flag, elections, ballot box, casting vote. (Gettyimages/btgbtg)
What’s at Stake for Crypto in India as the World’s Largest Democracy Is in the Midst of Its National Election?

Crypto’s significance as an election issue remains non-existent or at best negligible.

Indian flag, elections, ballot box, casting vote. (Gettyimages/btgbtg)

EU Elections

EU parliament facade (Guillaume Périgois/Unsplash)
What Do the EU Election Results Mean for Digital Assets?

Centrist parties hold power, but a right-wing majority is active on polarizing issues. The crypto industry needs to choose what it stands for, and with whom it wants to work,...

EU parliament facade (Guillaume Périgois/Unsplash)
(Pixabay)
EU Vote See Reelection of Some Officials With Key Roles in Bloc's Crypto Journey

Among the MEPs retaining their seats is Stefan Berger, who steered the landmark MiCA legislation.

(Pixabay)
Emmanuel Macron (Sean Gallup/Getty Images)
Macron Calls Surprise French Election That's Unlikely to Stir Crypto, Is Likely to Shake Up Government

The French president called a snap election after an unexpectedly poor showing in voting for the European Parliament.

Emmanuel Macron (Sean Gallup/Getty Images)
The EU's parliamentary elections start June 6. (Johannes Simon/Getty Images)
Crypto Remains Sidelined as EU Election Kicks Off

Voters will choose the more than 700 MEPs who may drive the next wave of regulation around crypto.

The EU's parliamentary elections start June 6. (Johannes Simon/Getty Images)

Global Election Coverage

Tyler Winklevoss and Cameron Winklevoss (L-R), creators of crypto exchange Gemini Trust Co., say they gave $1 million each to the Trump campaign. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Winklevoss Twins Say They Each Gave $1 Million to Trump Presidential Campaign

The Winklevoss brothers have become two of the first big-name crypto CEOs to cross the campaign-contribution barrier that had kept big-time donations from the presidential rac...

Tyler Winklevoss and Cameron Winklevoss (L-R), creators of crypto exchange Gemini Trust Co., say they gave $1 million each to the Trump campaign. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Jump Crypto's new $10 million donation to the industry's Fairshake PAC further bolsters the U.S. campaign juggernaut. (CoinDesk/Alexander Mils, Unsplash)
Jump Crypto Adds $10M to Industry's U.S. Political War Chest, Raising PAC to $169M

The digital assets industry's Fairshake PAC is a congressional heavyweight with recent influxes, and its latest filings will indicate it still has $109M to spend.

Jump Crypto's new $10 million donation to the industry's Fairshake PAC further bolsters the U.S. campaign juggernaut. (CoinDesk/Alexander Mils, Unsplash)
(Paul Casals/Unsplash)
Original TRUMP Token Struggles With Exchange Listings as DJT Rockets

Exchanges will list TREMP but not TRUMP, claiming the latter is "too political."

(Paul Casals/Unsplash)
They didn't shake hands last time, but that was during the plague. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
Trump and Biden Likely Won't Shake Hands at Debate, Prediction Market Says

Meanwhile, there's a prediction market on whether the U.K. newspaper The Guardian will correct an article unflattering to prediction markets.

They didn't shake hands last time, but that was during the plague. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
(Shaleah Craighead/Wikimedia Commons, modified by CoinDesk)
Crypto Is an Election Issue This Year. Is That a Good Thing?

A new DCG-funded survey found one-in-five voters think crypto is a key issue in U.S. elections this November.

(Shaleah Craighead/Wikimedia Commons, modified by CoinDesk)
Governor Ron DeSantis, who announced his presidential campaign on Twitter. (Florida State Government, modified by CoinDesk)
DeSantis and the Growing Culture War Around Bitcoin

CoinDesk’s story this week about a fight over a bitcoin mining facility in Upstate New York reveals how cryptocurrency issues are quickly becoming politicized in familiar ways...

Governor Ron DeSantis, who announced his presidential campaign on Twitter. (Florida State Government, modified by CoinDesk)
(Dale Honeycutt/Unsplash)
ERCOT CEO: Texas' Power Grid Needs Larger Increase Than Expected to Handle AI, Bitcoin Mining

The Electric Reliability Council of Texas' CEO said in Senate testimony that the state's grid capacity will need to double in the next decade to handle demand, while the Lieut...

(Dale Honeycutt/Unsplash)
EU parliament facade (Guillaume Périgois/Unsplash)
What Do the EU Election Results Mean for Digital Assets?

Centrist parties hold power, but a right-wing majority is active on polarizing issues. The crypto industry needs to choose what it stands for, and with whom it wants to work,...

EU parliament facade (Guillaume Périgois/Unsplash)
(Pixabay)
EU Vote See Reelection of Some Officials With Key Roles in Bloc's Crypto Journey

Among the MEPs retaining their seats is Stefan Berger, who steered the landmark MiCA legislation.

(Pixabay)
Emmanuel Macron (Sean Gallup/Getty Images)
Macron Calls Surprise French Election That's Unlikely to Stir Crypto, Is Likely to Shake Up Government

The French president called a snap election after an unexpectedly poor showing in voting for the European Parliament.

Emmanuel Macron (Sean Gallup/Getty Images)
The EU's parliamentary elections start June 6. (Johannes Simon/Getty Images)
Crypto Remains Sidelined as EU Election Kicks Off

Voters will choose the more than 700 MEPs who may drive the next wave of regulation around crypto.

The EU's parliamentary elections start June 6. (Johannes Simon/Getty Images)
Stand With Crypto Chief Strategist Nick Carr (Nikhilesh De/CoinDesk)
Advocacy Group 'Stand With Crypto' Says It's Exceeded 1 Million Signups

The organization, backed by crypto exchange Coinbase, signed a million online members, raised millions in donations and started a U.S. campaign fund in less than a year.

Stand With Crypto Chief Strategist Nick Carr (Nikhilesh De/CoinDesk)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 28: Former U.S. President Donald Trump sits in court during his trial for allegedly covering up hush money payments at Manhattan Criminal Court on May 28, 2024 in New York City. Donald Trump arrived for closing arguments in his hush money trial ahead of the jury deciding whether to make him the first criminally convicted former president and current White House hopeful in history. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
Trump Conviction Barely Dents His Odds of Winning Election: Prediction Markets

Plus: Polymarket traders doubt Trump will go to prison; Kalshi bettors are at odds with the CME FedWatch poll on rate cuts.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 28: Former U.S. President Donald Trump sits in court during his trial for allegedly covering up hush money payments at Manhattan Criminal Court on May 28, 2024 in New York City. Donald Trump arrived for closing arguments in his hush money trial ahead of the jury deciding whether to make him the first criminally convicted former president and current White House hopeful in history. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
Narendra Modi greets supporters in May. (Elke Scholiers/Getty Images)
India Springs Election Surprise, Sends Equity Market Crashing With Uncertain Implications for Crypto

Any plans for comprehensive crypto legislation could be kicked further down the road after a weaker-than-forecast showing for the governing party.

Narendra Modi greets supporters in May. (Elke Scholiers/Getty Images)
CEO Brian Armstrong's Coinbase has amplified its political involvement with another $25 million. (screenshot from Coinbase video)
Flood of Cash from Coinbase Gives Crypto One of the Biggest Campaign War Chests

Coinbase followed Ripple and a16z in each giving a new $25 million to their political action committee, Fairshake, as the general election approaches that may shift crypto's d...

CEO Brian Armstrong's Coinbase has amplified its political involvement with another $25 million. (screenshot from Coinbase video)
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum (Hector Vivas/Getty Images)
Mexico's Crypto Stance Unlikely to Change as Ruling Morena Party's Claudia Sheinbaum Elected President

Sheinbaum is from the same party as President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, who could not run again under the constitution.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum (Hector Vivas/Getty Images)
Sen. Ron Wyden, who heads the Committee on Finance, speaks at Consensus 2024. (Shutterstock/CoinDesk)
U.S. Sen. Wyden: House 'Right' to Pursue Crypto Bill, Late in Session for More Progress

The Oregon Democrat has been among his party's crypto sympathizers in the Senate, and he said there's "a long way to go" after this early burst of crypto momentum in Washingto...

Sen. Ron Wyden, who heads the Committee on Finance, speaks at Consensus 2024. (Shutterstock/CoinDesk)
Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., independent U.S. presidential candidate, speaks at Consensus 2024 in Austin, Texas. (Shutterstock/CoinDesk)
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on Trump's Guilty Verdict and Pro-Crypto Stance

The U.S. presidential candidate spoke at Consensus 2024

Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., independent U.S. presidential candidate, speaks at Consensus 2024 in Austin, Texas. (Shutterstock/CoinDesk)

How Upcoming Elections Around the World Could Impact the Crypto Industry