A recent conversation on X (formerly Twitter) sparked discussions about Cardano, crypto policy, and the intersection of politics and blockchain. The exchange began when Jillian Plomin, CEO of Cardano’s stablecoin USDM, jokingly asked if the Cardano Las Vegas event was a “Cardano dress occasion.” She also polled followers on attending the Hydra Doom tournament, leading to humorous responses from none other than Charles Hoskinson, the founder of Cardano.
Hoskinson’s playful comments took a turn when he humorously stated that he would even skip the inauguration of Donald Trump to attend the Cardano event. When a user suggested that perhaps he wasn’t invited to Trump’s inauguration, Hoskinson quickly clarified that wasn’t the case. In fact, he would be sending a team of 10 to the event. However, Hoskinson emphasized that he had no interest in the glamour of political gatherings, preferring instead to engage in private dinners with policymakers when necessary.
I'm sending 10 people. I'll have private dinners with leadership where and when appropriate. Ripple paid 5 million for their dinner with Trump.
— Charles Hoskinson (@IOHK_Charles) January 8, 2025
I'm not looking for a photo. I'm looking for meaningful, bipartisan policy change.
Hoskinson also referenced Ripple’s recent $5 million donation to Trump’s inaugural committee, which many see as a strategy to gain political leverage. Ripple executives, including CEO Brad Garlinghouse and CLO Stuart Alderoty, were seen having dinner with Trump on January 7, 2025, following their significant contribution. Hoskinson, however, made it clear that he was not interested in such high-profile interactions. “I’m not looking for a photo. I’m looking for meaningful, bipartisan policy change,” he said.
The $5 million Ripple pledged was reportedly to fund Trump’s inaugural events, including dinners, galas, and parades. Hoskinson’s stance was clear: while others may be keen to use financial contributions for political access, he is focused on pushing for regulatory reform that benefits the broader crypto space.
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As the industry continues to grapple with the influence of political donations, Hoskinson’s comments reflect Cardano’s commitment to policy change over spectacle, highlighting the ongoing debate about the future of crypto regulation.
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