Cardano Founder Calls Out USAID Over Anti-Bitcoin Funding Controversy

• Hoskinson slams USAID for funding anti-Bitcoin narratives, calling it misleading propaganda.
• USAID faces scrutiny amid funding freezes, while Bitcoin markets remain resilient despite policy debates.

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Cardano founder Charles Hoskinson has sharply criticized the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)for allegedly funding projects that portray Bitcoin as a right-wing extremist tool. His remarks follow revelations that USAID provided financial backing for a book linking Bitcoin to cyberlibertarianism and extremist ideologies.

Previously, a CNF update reported that anti-Bitcoin U.S. senators proposed a bill to investigate and mitigate risks allegedly posed by El Salvador’s Bitcoin law. The controversy intensified after WikiLeaks disclosed that USAID had financed the publication of Cyberlibertarianism: The Right-Wing Politics of Digital Technology by David Golumbia.

Hoskinson expressed his strong disapproval in a personal tweet on X, stating that he is “so done” with USAID, accusing it of funding propaganda that labels Bitcoin as right-wing extremism.

So apparently, USAID is funding the production of propaganda that says Bitcoin is right-wing extremism.

I'm so done with this garbage https://t.co/hG9ViJiW0A

— Charles Hoskinson (@IOHK_Charles) February 10, 2025

USAID Accused of Supporting Anti-Bitcoin Narratives

The book, published by the University of Minnesota Press, claims that Bitcoin and blockchain technology are rooted in radical right-wing ideologies. Reports indicate that Golumbia received at least $80,000 in U.S. government grantsfor his work, which has since been included in university reading lists at institutions like USC and Duke.

Hoskinson and other Bitcoin advocates argue that Bitcoin is a neutral financial tool designed for decentralization and financial inclusion, not political agendas.

USAID Under Scrutiny Amid Funding Freeze

This controversy emerges as USAID faces heightened scrutiny from the Trump administration. A recent executive order has frozen USAID’s global humanitarian funding, creating uncertainty about the agency’s future.

Additionally, Rep. French Hill, chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, has raised concerns over USAID’s expenditures. Reports suggest that the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, is reviewing the agency’s budget allocations. Secretary of State Mike Rubio is also expected to influence future funding decisions.

Bitcoin Market Holds Strong Despite Policy Shifts

Meanwhile, speculation is growing about potential policy shifts regarding digital assets. Trump Media recently filed trademarks for a crypto-focused investment product, fueling discussions on whether the administration’s stance on cryptocurrency will shift toward greater acceptance.

Some analysts see this as a sign that federal policies toward Bitcoin and blockchain could become more favorable. Despite the ongoing debate, Bitcoin’s market remains resilient.

According to CoinMarketCap data, Cardano (ADA) is currently trading at $0.7976, reflecting a 14.82% increase in the past day and 6.42% gain over the past week. See Cardano (ADA) price chart below.

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