Key Takeaways
- Trump becomes the first President to accept Bitcoin Lightning payments for campaign donations.
- The partnership with OpenNode facilitates fast and low-cost Bitcoin transactions.
- Trump commits to fostering a Bitcoin-friendly environment and commuting Ross Ulbricht's sentence if elected.
In a historic first, Donald Trump has become the first U.S. President to accept Bitcoin Lightning Network payments for campaign donations.
This move signifies a major step in integrating Bitcoin into mainstream politics, reflecting Trump’s commitment to advancing the future of Bitcoin in the United States.
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, which is designed for fast and low-cost transactions.
OpenNode stated:
OpenNode is proud to partner with Anedot to bring Bitcoin into the political donation process. This is a perfect marriage of OpenNode’s leading Bitcoin tech stack and Anedot’s robust platform for political and nonprofit organizations.
Last weekend, at a Libertarian Party convention, Trump emphasized his commitment to fostering a Bitcoin-friendly environment in the U.S., stating:
“I will ensure that the future of crypto and Bitcoin will be made in the USA.”
He also pledged to support the right to self-custody for the nation’s 50 million Bitcoin holders.
Additionally, Trump committed to commuting the sentence of Ross Ulbricht, the founder of Silk Road, if elected:
He’s already served 11 years. We’re going to get him home.
