Crypto exchange Kraken is donating $1 million to the Digital Freedom Fund PAC, a pro-Trump political action committee, and increasing its 2025 contribution to America First Digital to $1 million.
Co-CEO of Karken, Arjun Sethi, announced the donations on X, describing them as a defense of cryptocurrency principles rather than support for any political party.
Sethi cited concerns over regulatory uncertainty, attempts to criminalize crypto infrastructure, and restrictions on privacy tools. He said cryptocurrency represents “the right to self-determination” and extends financial freedoms in ways akin to constitutional rights.
Sethi sees that the core principles of crypto, such as privacy, self-custody, and the capacity to create decentralized systems, are under threat. He identified uncertainty in regulation and enforcement actions as a major threat. He also warned that potential bans on privacy tools could further erode these rights.
He noted that Kraken is “not backing a party” but principles. The contributions are meant as strategic investments in shaping U.S. crypto rules, “not just for Kraken, but also for every developer, founder, and user building in this space,” added Sethi.
Fellow Karken Co-CEO Dave Ripley also weighed in, saying, “Crypto is becoming a foundational layer of the global financial system. Clear, durable rules are needed to keep the U.S. competitive and support innovation.”
Pro-Trump PAC
The Digital Freedom Fund PAC is a pro-Trump group focused on supporting crypto-friendly candidates, promoting a Bitcoin Bill of Rights, and opposing central bank digital currencies. The PAC aims to influence U.S. crypto legislation, protect developers, and ensure fair access to banking, while also backing initiatives to strengthen America’s role in digital financial technology.
In August, Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss, founders of Gemini, donated 188 BTC (around $21 million) to the Digital Freedom Fund PAC. Kraken’s donation was also noted by Tyler Winklevoss, who welcomed the support.
The Winklevoss twins have said their PAC is explicitly partisan, backing Republican candidates and Trump’s cryptocurrency policies in the 2026 midterms.
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