Charles Hoskinson Calls Out Trump’s Crypto Approach
Cardano founder Charles Hoskinson has openly criticized former U.S. President Donald Trump’s involvement and strategies in the cryptocurrency space. According to Hoskinson, the Trump administration’s ventures in crypto, including launching a meme coin, have been detrimental to the long-term growth and bipartisan regulation of the industry.
Impact of Trump’s Meme Coin on Crypto Regulations
In early 2025, President Trump launched his own meme coin, coinciding with his return to the White House. While this move may have seemed innovative, Hoskinson believes it disrupted the bipartisan effort to establish clear regulations for digital assets in the United States. “The minute Trump coin got launched, it turned crypto into a partisan issue, handing critics ammunition ahead of the 2026 elections,” Hoskinson stated in an interview.
This political framing has, according to Hoskinson, stalled critical legislation, softened bipartisan support, and cast a shadow over crypto’s credibility. He emphasized that many industry leaders are hesitant to address the issue publicly for fear of losing access to policymakers.
World Liberty Financial: Blurring the Line Between Policy and Business
Trump’s involvement in crypto extended beyond the meme coin. While on the campaign trail, President Trump, along with his family and associates, initiated the World Liberty Financial crypto project. Hoskinson criticized the timing, arguing that it muddied the distinction between personal business ventures and public policy creation. “You don’t launch a project and then create regulations to support it. It should be the other way around,” he stated.
Crypto Reserve Initiative and Altcoin Controversy
Another controversial move was Trump’s proposal to create a U.S. Crypto Reserve which included Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, XRP, and Cardano. Hoskinson opposed this expansion, claiming that government-backed selection of specific cryptocurrencies could unfairly influence market dynamics. “If the U.S. government is going to hold cryptocurrency, they should stick to Bitcoin that they’ve already seized. Altcoin reserves risk picking winners and losers,” Hoskinson noted. Despite his critique, Cardano’s inclusion in the reserve received attention, temporarily boosting ADA’s market price by 70% at the time.
Lessons for the Future of Cryptocurrency
Hoskinson continues to advocate for integrity and clear policy-making in crypto. Despite losing access to key policymakers and political gatherings, he stands firm on his views: the government’s role in crypto should not involve interference in markets or prioritizing personal interests over public benefit. His criticism serves as a cautionary tale for mixing politics and cryptocurrency.
For those exploring blockchain innovations, education and research remain key to navigating the complexities of regulations. Learn from platforms such as Cardano that are dedicated to decentralized finance and sustainable solutions within the crypto space.
