Former US President Donald Trump has announced that he has selected JD Vance, a Senator from Ohio and known pro-crypto advocate, as his running mate for the 2024 presidential run. The announcement was made on Trump’s social network, Truth Social, highlighting Vance’s backing of crypto-related legislation.
For Vance, being pro-crypto is not just about support but also investment. He disclosed that he held between $100,001 and $250,000 worth of Bitcoin through Coinbase back in 2022. Moreover, he had actively supported a resolution to nullify a rule set by the Securities and Exchange Commission that required banks to record crypto as a liability on their balance sheets, although this legislation was vetoed by President Joe Biden.
Before his political career, Vance was best-known for writing the book ‘Hillbilly Elegy.’ He has only been in politics for two years and won his Ohio Senate seat in 2022. Trump had endorsed him in those Senate elections, and in return, Vance endorsed Trump for the 2024 Republican primaries. However, it’s interesting to note that Vance had previously criticised Trump, even calling him “unfit” for the presidency.
Related: Trump to Speak at Bitcoin 2024 Conference
The 2024 election is already seeing cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology becoming central campaign issues. Alongside Vance’s nomination, Trump declared that his campaign would accept crypto contributions and suggested amendments to the Republican Party’s official platform to safeguard Bitcoin miners and oppose central bank digital currencies. Meanwhile, the anticipated Democratic candidate, President Joe Biden, is reportedly considering accepting crypto campaign contributions.