As the clock ticks down to the U.S. elections, the crypto industry buzzes with anticipation, all eyes on the Presidential race between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. But it’s not just about who wins—it’s what the results mean for crypto regulation and digital assets heading into 2025. Events like Permissionless III in Salt Lake City and Ripple Swell in Miami this October reveal a sector increasingly intertwined with mainstream U.S. politics.
Panels and Predictions: What Will 2024 Bring?
Cointelegraph was boots on the ground at both conferences, and what they witnessed was striking. High-ranking execs weighed in on the future of Bitcoin, stablecoins, and the regulatory framework that could shape the industry’s next chapter. Ripple’s Lauren Belive dropped the mic, saying, “Every single panel is talking about regulations.” She’s not wrong—whether discussing digital payments, decentralized finance, or mining, the conversation always finds its way back to Washington, D.C.
Even Fireblocks’ legal head, Jason Allegrante, couldn’t help but point out that crypto had crossed the Rubicon. “This is technology, not a political issue,” he said, yet it’s become deeply politicized. The U.S. landscape has shifted, as lawmakers start to realize the global implications of digital assets.
The Road from Trump’s Skepticism to 2025’s Crypto-Forward Congress
Back when Trump held the reins from 2017 to 2021, he wasn’t exactly besties with Bitcoin. In fact, he called it a scam based on “thin air.” But times have changed. Both Trump and Harris have signaled that they might be crypto-friendly, should they take office. In fact, Trump himself gave a keynote at the Bitcoin 2024 conference. It’s clear that the conversation has moved beyond Twitter rants and is now firmly seated at the policy table.
Kristin Smith, CEO of the Blockchain Association, made waves at Permissionless when she predicted 2025 would see “the most educated Congress we’ve ever had,” specifically on crypto issues. With so many fresh faces running for Congress, many of them come preloaded with stances on digital currencies. Faryar Shirzad from Coinbase echoed the sentiment at an October 11 panel, predicting the incoming House and Senate will have “brand new pro-crypto voices” shaking up the scene.
Betting Markets Weigh In: Trump Favored to Win
For those looking to hedge bets, platforms like Polymarket and Kalshi have already put their chips down. Polymarket sees Trump with a 60% shot at the White House, while Kalshi rates Republicans at 42% odds of taking control across the board—House, Senate, and Presidency. These figures aren’t just numbers; they reflect a shift in how the market values political outcomes in relation to digital asset regulations.
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