Winklevoss Twins' $21M Bitcoin Boost for Pro-Crypto Trump Vision
Winklevoss Twins Back Trump's Crypto Ambitions with $21M Bitcoin Donation
The Winklevoss twins, founders of Gemini, have made a significant move in the crypto space by donating $21 million in Bitcoin to the Digital Freedom Fund PAC. This contribution aims to support candidates who champion crypto-friendly policies in the 2026 midterm elections and advance a 'thoughtful' market structure bill.
Crypto investors are increasingly focused on solidifying recent regulatory progress under a potential Donald Trump administration. The Gemini founders' donation to the Digital Freedom Fund PAC underscores this commitment. According to Tyler Winklevoss, this initiative is designed to help realize President Trump’s pro-crypto plans in the U.S.
“The mission of the Digital Freedom Fund is to help realize President Trump’s vision of making America the crypto capital of the world.”
The PAC will focus on supporting pro-crypto candidates and advocating for a Bitcoin Bill of Rights.
Priorities: Midterm Elections and Crypto Market Structure
The immediate goals include ensuring victories for pro-crypto lawmakers in the midterm elections and developing a well-considered market structure bill.
Winning the Midterms
Tyler Winklevoss emphasized the importance of Republicans regaining control of both the Senate and the House to facilitate Trump's agenda. He cautioned that Democratic control could impede progress.
“If the Republicans lose either the House or Senate in the midterms on November 3, 2026 (only 1 year and 2 months away), then Democrats will have the power to slow down and interfere with President Trump’s agenda.”
Crafting Crypto Legislation
A key focus is on creating a streamlined market structure bill that promotes innovation while limiting government overreach.
“We will fight for a skinny market structure bill that is lean and mean. One that cements timeless, permanent ideas into law, limits government overreach, and clears the path for builders to build.”
This includes opposing Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs), advocating for open banking, protecting protocol developers, and upholding the right to self-custody.
This significant donation from the Winklevoss twins joins other pro-crypto PACs emerging ahead of the 2026 U.S. midterms, including a $200 million plan from Trump’s crypto advisor, David Bailey, to further integrate Bitcoin into U.S. policy.
Since early 2025, multiple SEC enforcement actions from the Biden era have been reversed. Additionally, Trump has advocated for the inclusion of crypto in 401(k) retirement plans and has taken action against the debanking of crypto firms and users.
While the move has garnered support within the Crypto Twitter community, some critics, such as researcher Peter Ryan, argue that it represents a 'pay to play' system that disproportionately benefits wealthy individuals.
“Today, crypto is merely the latest ruse to persuade the public to surrender democratic freedom and financial sovereignty to oligarchs.”