Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris, speaking at a Pittsburgh campaign event on September 25, has reiterated her commitment to supporting emerging technologies such as blockchain and digital assets.
Harris stated that, if elected, her administration would foster innovation in areas like biomanufacturing, aerospace, AI, quantum computing, and blockchain.
Speaking at The Economic Club of Pittsburgh, Harris emphasised the need for the U.S. to remain dominant in the global technology race. She noted the importance of creating a regulatory environment that encourages innovation while protecting consumers and investors.
“We will invest in biomanufacturing and aerospace, remain dominant in AI and quantum computing, blockchain, and other emerging technologies,” Harris said. She also hinted at implementing crypto-friendly regulations but refrained from offering specific details about her economic plan, which is set to be unveiled shortly.
Harris expresses support for cryptocurrencies
While Harris did not delve into the specifics of her proposed crypto regulations, she made it clear that her administration would support the sector through consistent and transparent guidelines. “We will encourage innovative technologies like AI and digital assets while protecting consumers and investors,” she added.
Harris's stance contrasts with that of her opponent, Donald Trump, who has positioned himself as a pro-crypto candidate. Despite Trump's reputation in the crypto world, Harris has been gaining support from notable figures within the sector, including billionaire investor Mark Cuban, who attended her event at Carnegie Mellon University.
Trump’s Campaign and Pro-Crypto Stance
Meanwhile, Donald Trump has been actively promoting his own pro-crypto agenda. Speaking at a rally in Mint Hall, North Carolina, Trump criticised the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and its current chair, Gary Gensler, for their tough stance on cryptocurrency regulation. Trump has pledged to dismiss Gensler if he wins the presidency.
Trump also launched his family's cryptocurrency platform, World Liberty Financial, positioning himself as a strong advocate for blockchain technology. His criticisms of the SEC focus on the agency's regulation-by-enforcement approach, which has been a source of tension for crypto entrepreneurs in the U.S.
“If for some reason bad, bad things happen and we don’t win the election, those people that were under investigation and that are free as a bird right now, people that were being looked at in the crypto world, they will be living in hell because it will start the day after the election if they win,” Trump remarked, referencing the ongoing investigations into digital asset companies.