Rep. Ro Khanna’s Advocacy for Bitcoin

On March 11, 2025, Rep. Ro Khanna delivered a significant address at the Bitcoin Policy Institute’s Bitcoin for America summit.

> “Bitcoin is transformational for so many people around the world,” Rep. Khanna stated. “That is why the Democratic Party should be embracing it as something that can create financial empowerment for people not just in the United States, but around the world.”

This has been an enduring message from Khanna, who urges his fellow Democrats to recognize Bitcoin’s potential, akin to adopting other major technological advancements like the internet.

> “My goal is to make Bitcoin bipartisan,” Rep. Khanna told Bitcoin Magazine. “I want to convince Democrats that bitcoin is a next-generation store of value used by millions worldwide, and America leading on it connects us with often disenfranchised people.”

It’s ironic that many Democrats overlook Bitcoin, a technology that promotes financial inclusion. Although Khanna is a vocal advocate, the number of supportive Democratic politicians has risen from around 10 to approximately 70 or 80 in recent years, indicating a gradual shift.

Khanna suggests that misunderstandings surrounding Bitcoin may have contributed to its past reception among Democrats.

> “Some Democratic politicians are not aware of how helpful Bitcoin can be with remittances or for those without access to U.S. dollars,” he explained.

The Bitcoin and Crypto Voting Bloc in Swing States

Research by Coinbase indicates that in swing states from the last U.S. presidential election, the number of crypto holders was about ten times greater than the vote differential between Biden and Trump in 2020. This has led to speculation that the Bitcoin and crypto voter bloc might have influenced election outcomes in favor of Trump.

> “I think it made a difference,” Khanna commented, acknowledging the impact of the Bitcoin voter bloc in such a tight election.

Van Jones, a notable Democratic figure, also expressed support for welcoming pro-Bitcoin voices to the party, which Khanna appreciates. He believes that the party will eventually embrace Bitcoin and related technologies.

Trump’s Influence on Democratic Support for Bitcoin

With Trump’s strong support for Bitcoin, one might wonder if Democrats will reconsider their views to gain seats in future elections. Khanna insists that Democratic leaders should not allow party lines to cloud their assessment of Bitcoin.

> “Bitcoin is just a decentralized digital currency that enables peer-to-peer transactions without the need for an intermediary,” he explained, urging politicians to focus on its merits.

He clarified that Bitcoin should not be confused with meme coins like the President’s recent digital asset.

Aligning Democrats with Innovation

In light of current economic struggles, should Bitcoin be a focal point for Democrats, a party historically aligned with the middle and working classes? Khanna believes while larger issues like Medicaid cuts and tariffs take precedence, the party needs to not dismiss Bitcoin.

> “The Democrats were on the wrong side of innovation and Bitcoin in 2022 and 2024, and we now have an opportunity to get on the right side of it,” he remarked.

To assist in this shift, Khanna suggested that pro-Bitcoin Democrats should:
1. Identify leaders advocating for Bitcoin and crypto.
2. Encourage government members to educate themselves on the subject.
3. Discuss the widespread adoption of Bitcoin.

This post originally appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and was written by Frank Corva.