Charles Hoskinson Slams USAID for Funding Book Linking Bitcoin to Extremism
In the latest development, Cardano founder Charles Hoskinson criticized the American Agency for International Development (USAID) for funding books that link Bitcoin to right-wing extremism.
USAID faces opposition to link BTC to right-wing ideology
WikiLeaks recently revealed that the U.S. Agency for International Development funded a book that links Bitcoin and cyber liberalism to right-wing ideology. The book Cyber Liberalism: Right-wing politics of digital technology written by David Golumbia connects Bitcoin to extremist ideology. According to WikiLeaks, it was published by the University of Minnesota Press and reportedly received $80,000 in funding from the U.S. government.
Hoskinson expressed frustration on social media, calling the portrayal of Bitcoin “trash.”
Trump administration freezes USDA funds
The controversy arose amid a wider review of U.S. Agency for International Development’s activities. The Trump administration recently issued an executive order that caused the agency to freeze funds, affecting its global humanitarian efforts. The report shows that some U.S.A.I.D. staff are also on leave and the agency’s future is unclear.
Charles Hoskinson, founder of Cardano who supported the House Financial Services Committee, represented the French Hills, recently commented on USDA spending. He mentioned that Elon Musk’s Ministry of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is studying the agency’s budget. In addition, Hill also pointed out that Secretary of State Mike Rubio, who oversees U.S. Agency for International Development, will participate in decisions about his future funding.
Hoskinson’s criticism highlights the ongoing debate on how to portray Bitcoin and the role of government funding in crypto research. Bitcoin proponents believe that these narratives try to undermine decentralized technologies, which they see as tools of financial inclusion and economic freedom.
