Winklevoss Brothers Back Pro-Crypto Candidate with $1 Million Donation
- The Winklevoss twins have donated $1 million in Bitcoin to support John Deaton, a pro-crypto candidate running against Senator Elizabeth Warren in Massachusetts.
- This contribution comes as part of a new Super PAC established to advocate for Deaton's campaign.
- The donation underscores the growing influence of cryptocurrency in political campaigns and the ongoing debates on regulatory matters.
Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss, known for their connection to Facebook and as founders of the Gemini cryptocurrency exchange, have made headlines with their recent $1 million donation in bitcoin to a super PAC supporting John Deaton. Deaton, a lawyer advocating for cryptocurrency interests, aims to challenge Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren, who has been criticized by the crypto community for her stance on digital assets. James Murphy, the PAC’s fundraising lead, expressed gratitude for the Winklevoss brothers' support, emphasizing its potential impact on Deaton's campaign. In their social media posts, both brothers voiced strong opposition to Warren, labeling her as detrimental to the business and crypto sectors. Tyler Winklevoss described her as "public enemy number one" in the crypto space, accusing her of leading the Biden Administration's efforts against digital currencies. Cameron echoed this sentiment, highlighting Deaton's pro-crypto and pro-business stance, and expressing optimism about his chances in the upcoming election. The backdrop of this political maneuvering includes ongoing legal challenges faced by major cryptocurrency firms like Coinbase and Ripple, as well as regulatory actions from agencies such as the SEC and FDIC. These regulators have raised concerns about the risks associated with cryptocurrencies, prompting Warren to propose legislation aimed at curbing their use in illicit activities. The crypto industry views such measures as a threat to its growth in the U.S., fearing that excessive regulation could drive businesses overseas. Despite the Winklevoss brothers' financial backing and the crypto community's support for Deaton, Warren remains a formidable opponent. As a prominent progressive with strong ties to the Biden Administration, she is expected to maintain significant support in her home state of Massachusetts, complicating Deaton's path to victory.