Kamala Harris Signals Support for Blockchain and Emerging Technologies in Presidential Campaign Speech

In a speech delivered Wednesday at The Economic Club of Pittsburgh, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris highlighted blockchain, artificial intelligence (AI), and other emerging technologies as central to her administration’s economic vision if elected president in November.

Harris promised to invest in these sectors to ensure that the United States leads in technological innovation, emphasizing the importance of America’s dominance in industries like AI, quantum computing, and blockchain.

“We will invest in biomanufacturing and aerospace, remain dominant in AI and quantum computing, blockchain and other emerging technologies,” Harris said, adding that clean energy innovation and advanced manufacturing would also be key pillars of her economic strategy.

A First for Blockchain in Harris’ Political Platform

This marks the first time Harris has publicly addressed blockchain technology in her political career. Though the mention of blockchain was brief, it is notable given the heightened attention on digital assets in the current political landscape.

Harris’ speech comes amid significant lobbying efforts by pro-crypto groups to secure a more favorable legal status for the industry, which has faced regulatory scrutiny under the Biden administration.

Harris’ stance on blockchain could signal a cautious shift away from Biden’s more stringent regulatory policies. However, her comments remained measured, as she emphasized the need for the U.S. to "remain" strong in emerging technologies, indicating a desire to maintain a balanced approach that supports innovation while addressing regulatory concerns.

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Harris pointed out that the future of the United States will still be dominated by industry

Harris' remarks also pointed to the broader geopolitical competition between the U.S. and China, noting the need for America to lead in the “industries of the future.”

This positioning aligns with her campaign’s emphasis on economic competitiveness, especially in areas like clean energy, advanced nuclear technologies, and digital innovation.

While former President Donald Trump has fully embraced the cryptocurrency space—going so far as to launch his own decentralized finance (DeFi) platform—Harris has taken a more nuanced approach.

Her brief mention of blockchain suggests a strategy of acknowledging the importance of digital assets without fully endorsing them or diverging sharply from President Biden’s policies.

Harris campaign website updates new economic plan

Harris’ campaign website was also updated with a new economic plan, which contains a single line addressing digital assets. The plan pledges to “encourage innovative technologies like AI and digital assets while protecting our consumers and investors.”

This reflects the balancing act Harris faces in crafting a policy that appeals to both the tech and crypto sectors, while also considering regulatory challenges.

With the 2024 election drawing near, the crypto industry will be watching closely to see whether Harris continues to carve out a distinct position on digital assets or maintains alignment with the current administration’s cautious regulatory approach.