In a historic move, Donald Trump has become the first American President to accept Bitcoin Lightning Network payments for campaign donations. This announcement marks a significant step in integrating Bitcoin into mainstream politics, highlighting Trump’s commitment to advancing the future of Bitcoin in the United States.
Partnership with OpenNode
Trump’s campaign has partnered with OpenNode, a leading Bitcoin and Lightning Network infrastructure provider, to facilitate these donations. Supporters can now contribute to Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign using Bitcoin via the Lightning Network, a technology designed to enable fast and low-cost transactions.
“OpenNode is proud to partner with Anedot to bring Bitcoin into the political donation process,” OpenNode told Bitcoin Magazine. “This is a perfect marriage of OpenNode’s leading Bitcoin tech stack and Anedot’s robust platform for political and nonprofit organizations. The Trump campaign’s adoption of our solution is a powerful proof-point of how political campaigns and nonprofits across the country can seamlessly accept Bitcoin donations.”
Commitment to Bitcoin
While speaking at a Libertarian Party convention, Trump emphasized his dedication to fostering a Bitcoin-friendly environment in the U.S. He stated that he “will ensure that the future of crypto and Bitcoin will be made in the USA” and that he “will support the right to self-custody for the nation’s 50 million crypto holders.”
Trump’s support for Bitcoin extends beyond campaign donations. During the same speech, President Trump made a historic commitment to commute the sentence of Ross Ulbricht, the founder of Silk Road and an early Bitcoin pioneer, to time served if elected President. “He’s already served 11 years,” Trump said. “We’re going to get him home.”
Strategic Appeal to Crypto Enthusiasts
Being the first President in U.S. history to accept Bitcoin for campaign donations underscores Trump’s broader strategy to appeal to the over 50 million cryptocurrency enthusiasts and investors in the country. By aligning himself with the Bitcoin community, Trump positions himself as a forward-thinking leader who embraces technological advancements and financial freedom.
In contrast, current U.S. President Joe Biden recently vetoed pro-Bitcoin legislation that would have allowed highly regulated financial firms to custody Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, further showcasing his reluctance to support the industry.
