Chris Larsen’s Vision for a Pro-Innovation America
In a recent dialogue with CNBC, Chris Larsen, the co-founder of Ripple, articulated his belief that Vice President Kamala Harris holds the potential to rectify what he perceives as major oversights in President Biden’s approach to cryptocurrency regulation. Larsen has been vocal about his discontent with current U.S. crypto policies, which he critiques as a misguided “war on crypto.” This sentiment is particularly timely as the U.S. continues to grapple with the rapid evolution of digital currencies.
Significant Contributions to Harris’s Campaign
As a demonstration of his support for Harris, Larsen has made a notable contribution of $10 million in XRP to her campaign. This positions him as a key figure from the crypto space in this election cycle. His endorsement of Harris is rooted in her economic vision, which Larsen describes as fostering innovation while ensuring that American industries maintain global leadership.
“We’re really excited by her economic message. It is a message now of pro-innovation, and making sure that our American champions dominate their industries around the world,” Larsen expressed, highlighting his optimism for a more supportive regulatory environment.
Meetings and Preparations for a Harris Administration
Larsen emphasized that Harris’s team is actively engaging with numerous stakeholders, including those outside the crypto industry. He indicated that these discussions suggest a departure from the previous administration’s approach, which he described as excessively anti-business and divisive.
“There’s been a lot of meetings with folks who will be in her administration, and not just within the crypto industry. Consistently, what they’ve heard is that the last administration was too anti-business and involved a sort of class warfare. That’s not how it will be in a Harris administration,” Larsen explained.
Larsen’s Stance on SEC Chairman Gary Gensler
In addition to discussing Harris’s potential impact, Larsen did not shy away from criticizing SEC Chairman Gary Gensler. He described Gensler as “the worst public servant in this country,” a statement that underscores the increasing friction between crypto leaders and regulatory bodies.
Gensler’s approach has been characterized by stringent regulatory measures, which many argue prioritize enforcement over the establishment of clear guidelines. This has led to an environment of uncertainty for businesses operating in the crypto sector. Ripple, a company co-founded by Larsen, has experienced significant challenges due to the SEC’s stance, particularly regarding the classification of XRP as a security.
Larsen’s critique extends to the broader implications for the U.S., highlighting missed opportunities to lead in blockchain technology and the digital economy.
