Is Kamala Harris’s PAC Leading the Way with Crypto Donations Via Coinbase?

• Kamala Harris’s PAC, not her campaign, accepts crypto donations via Coinbase Commerce.
• Future Forward USA PAC’s use of crypto highlights growing digital currency acceptance in politics.
• Coinbase’s support for pro-crypto PACs reflects the industry’s influence on policy and politics.

Coinbase CFO Alesia Haas revealed at a Citigroup event that Kamala Harris will accept cryptocurrency donations through Coinbase Commerce. However, these donations are directed to the Future Forward USA PAC, which supports Harris, not her campaign directly.

Coinbase Commerce, launched in 2018, allows merchants and political groups, including Future Forward USA PAC, to accept cryptocurrency. This development reflects growing political use of crypto, even as Harris’s campaign does not directly accept digital assets. 

While the Harris campaign itself does not accept crypto donations, Future Forward USA’s involvement signals Democratic interest in cryptocurrencies, despite criticism of the administration’s tough stance on digital assets.

Recently, Coinbase made its first donation to Fairshake, a PAC backing pro-crypto candidates. Over the past few months, the company has increasingly supported broader policy initiatives, showing the industry’s efforts to shape regulations through political contributions.

Public and Political Reactions

The crypto community’s response to Harris’s connection to digital asset donations has been mixed. Bill Morgan, a well-known figure in the space, voiced skepticism on social media, criticizing the “Crypto for Harris” supporters.

Morgan questioned their willingness to back Harris, citing her administration’s uncertain approach to cryptocurrency regulation. This reflects a wider hesitancy among digital asset advocates who are cautious about supporting candidates without clear pro-crypto policies.

As the 2024 U.S. presidential election approaches, the interaction between the crypto industry and political figures is expected to continue, with the crypto community waiting for firm policy proposals before offering full support.