Survey Reveals Crypto Owners Favor Trump, Non-Crypto Owners Lean Towards Harris
A recent survey by Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU) has revealed a significant political divide between cryptocurrency owners and those without digital assets. The study indicates that individuals who own cryptocurrency are more likely to support former President Donald Trump, while non-crypto owners tend to favor Vice President Kamala Harris.
Conducted by Dan Cassino, a political science professor and executive director of the FDU Poll, the survey found that approximately one in seven voters currently holds cryptocurrency. Among these crypto owners, 50% expressed support for Trump, who has emerged as a strong proponent of digital currencies. Conversely, only 38% of crypto holders indicated support for Harris.
In stark contrast, the preferences flip among non-crypto owners, with 53% backing Harris compared to 41% for Trump. Cassino notes that for many young men, cryptocurrency symbolizes a pathway to achieving financial success and technological competence—qualities often emphasized in traditional societal norms.
“Crypto represents a chance for young men to fulfill societal expectations of wealth and savvy in a complex financial landscape,” Cassino stated in a recent analysis for The Washington Post. Many individuals view cryptocurrency as a promising alternative to conventional avenues like education and hard work, which they believe may not yield significant financial returns.
The poll also explored attitudes towards masculinity among respondents. Interestingly, men who strongly identify with traditional masculinity are less likely to own cryptocurrency. However, a subset of men who embrace some traditional masculine ideals—while not fully identifying as "masculine"—are more inclined to invest in crypto and support Trump. This group, described as being in a “masculinity trap,” tends to be younger and predominantly Black or Latino, with 37% owning cryptocurrency compared to just 18% among their peers.
These men often resonate with Trump’s stances on issues like immigration and critiques of diversity, equity, and inclusion policies, viewing him as a figure who offers a form of “false hope” in their quest for success.
Notably, Trump has shifted his stance on cryptocurrency, moving from earlier skepticism to active support. Recently, he publicly engaged with the crypto community, purchasing a meal with Bitcoin and launching a new venture, World Liberty Financial, alongside his sons, who reportedly do not hold stakes in the business.
During the Bitcoin 2024 conference, Trump promised to enhance the U.S. position in the crypto space, pledging to eliminate regulatory obstacles and create a national Bitcoin reserve. “When I take the oath of office, Joe Biden’s and Kamala Harris’s anti-crypto crusade will be over,” he asserted.
Trump's renewed focus on cryptocurrency has attracted attention from notable figures in Silicon Valley, including founders of the venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz. While his campaign has embraced crypto donations, it faced regulatory hurdles, leading to the return of $1 million in Bitcoin contributions from notable investors Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss.
