Winklevoss Twins Donate $21 Million in Bitcoin to Advance Trump’s Pro-Crypto Agenda

Billionaire Gemini co-founders Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss are making headlines in the crypto world with a staggering $21 million Bitcoin donation aimed at advancing President Donald Trump’s pro-crypto agenda as the 2026 U.S. midterm elections approach.

The contribution positions the twins—and their crypto exchange Gemini—at the forefront of efforts to influence federal cryptocurrency regulation and market policies.

In a social media post, Tyler Winklevoss announced that the brothers contributed 188 BTC, valued at approximately $21 million at the time, to the newly established Digital Freedom Fund, a pro-crypto political action committee (PAC).

The donation aims to support a Republican congressional majority aligned with President Trump in promoting favorable legislation and policies for blockchain and digital assets.

The Winklevoss twins emphasized their intention to champion initiatives such as the de minimis tax exemption for Bitcoin, which could exempt small crypto gains from taxation, facilitating broader adoption and daily usage.

The Digital Freedom Fund will work alongside other like-minded organizations to identify and promote priorities such as the de minimis exemption and other crypto initiatives that can elevate our industry and America as a whole,” the twins said, noting that their private advocacy reflects their public stance.

Strategic Influence on U.S. Crypto Regulation

The record-setting Bitcoin donation demonstrates the twins’ long-term commitment to shaping America’s digital asset regulatory framework.

Following the Republican gains in the 2024 elections, including control of the U.S. Senate and multiple House seats, many Democrats are now focusing on the 2026 midterms to reclaim power.

The PAC, formed on July 11 with Janna Rutland as treasurer, intends to leverage this political momentum to advance pro-crypto policies, including fair taxation and market structure reforms.

The Winklevosses have a history of political engagement, having donated around $2 million in Bitcoin to Trump’s 2024 campaign and an additional $5 million to the Fairshake PAC. Fairshake has spent over $130 million supporting congressional candidates considered “pro-crypto” while opposing those deemed “anti-crypto.”

In July, the PAC reported raising $141 million for upcoming elections, including the 2026 midterms.

Deepening Political and Industry Ties

Their political involvement has also opened doors to the White House, including invitations to inauguration events and participation in a March summit on crypto policy.

President Trump acknowledged their support during the signing of the bipartisan GENIUS Act, landmark legislation governing stablecoins.

The brothers further solidified ties by investing in American Bitcoin, a crypto mining firm associated with the Trump family.

However, the Winklevoss twins have not always been fully aligned with Trump’s administration.

Reports indicate they urged the president to reconsider the nomination of Brian Quintenz as CFTC chair, despite initially endorsing him publicly.

This move occurred amid a broader industry push supporting Quintenz, demonstrating the twins’ willingness to advocate for nuanced regulatory positions.

Shaping the Future of U.S. Crypto Policy

With their $21 million Bitcoin donation and ongoing advocacy, Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss are cementing Gemini’s role at the center of the conversation around U.S. cryptocurrency policy.

Their actions illustrate how influential industry leaders can leverage financial contributions and political engagement to advance digital asset innovation, particularly during critical periods in American regulation.

The race to shape the future of crypto policy in the U.S. is far from over.