• Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has made campaign promises advocating for bitcoin users while running for US President.
• Kennedy said that he plans to accept campaign donations in bitcoin and that he will ensure the US remains the hub of crypto innovation.
• He also said he would consider pardoning people like Ross Ulbricht if they were unjustly prosecuted, and accept Lightning Network donations, making him the first presidential campaign in history to do so.
Robert F Kennedy Jr’s Campaign Promises
Democratic Presidential Candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. made a series of campaign promises on Friday advocating for bitcoin users, saying that he plans to accept campaign donations in Bitcoin as well.
Bitcoin is not a Security
Kennedy notably said that Bitcoin is not a security and should not be regulated as one, contrary to what US Securities and Exchange Commission Chair Gary Gensler confirmed earlier this year in an interview with Intelligencer Magazine.
Keeping Crypto Innovation at Home
Kennedy also said he would ensure that the US “remains the global hub of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.” He added that he would reverse any government hostility towards the crypto industry, so as to keep innovation at home rather than abroad.
Considering Pardons for Unjust Prosecutions
Kennedy stated that he would “carefully consider” whether people like Ross Ulbricht were “prosecuted for actual crimes or as a means to crack down on crypto,” adding that if it was found out they had been unjustly made an example, then he would consider pardoning them.
Accepting Lightning Network Donations
Finally, Kennedy announced that his presidential campaign will be “the first in history” to accept Bitcoin donations through the Lightning Network – another decentralized platform enabling instant payments – joining Republican Presidential Candidate Rand Paul who had previously done so back in 2015.