Former President Donald Trump, facing multiple criminal charges, announced his 2024 presidential campaign will accept cryptocurrency donations.
In a May 21 statement, the Trump campaign launched a fundraising page for crypto donations using Coinbase Commerce. Supported cryptocurrencies include Bitcoin, Dogecoin, Shiba Inu, XRP, USD Coin, Solana, and 0x.
The campaign criticized Senator Elizabeth Warren, claiming she was President Biden’s “official surrogate” in Congress, without providing evidence.
During a May 8 event, Trump revealed attendees could donate in crypto. With the election approaching, Trump is the presumptive Republican nominee, expected to face President Biden.
On May 15, Trump accepted Biden’s challenge for debates on June 27 and September 10, possibly marking their first face-off since 2020.
Despite accepting crypto, Trump’s campaign website did not mention digital assets or blockchain. Biden, though not vocal about crypto, signed an executive order in 2022 to establish a regulatory framework.
Trump’s announcement came as his New York trial jury prepared for deliberations. He faces charges in Manhattan, Georgia, D.C., and Florida for various alleged offenses.
Previously, Trump dismissed Bitcoin as a scam, preferring the U.S. dollar. He opposes the creation of a central bank digital currency (CBDC) in the U.S.
The campaign’s crypto move coincides with PACs reportedly covering Trump’s legal expenses. In February, a judge ordered $355 million in disgorgement against Trump for fraud. Trump also faces significant financial penalties from other lawsuits.
