The crypto exchange has already given $2 million to two crypto-friendly political groups
Kraken is stepping up its political involvement in the US, announcing a $2 million donation to two groups that support pro-crypto policies. The move, revealed by Co-CEO Arjun Sethi in a post on X this week, highlights the exchange’s view that the fight to protect crypto users’ rights is far from finished.
The fight for crypto in the United States is far from over.
That is why Kraken is donating $1 million to @FreedomFundPAC and increasing our 2025 commitment to @a1stdigital to $1 million.
Congress has made real progress. Market structure bills are advancing. The tone in…
— Arjun Sethi (@arjunsethi) September 23, 2025
According to the announcement, Kraken is committing $1 million to the Freedom Fund PAC while also increasing its 2025 contribution to America First Digital to $1 million. Sethi framed the donations as a way to defend key principles such as self-custody, privacy, and open access to decentralized tools, all of which he argued are under pressure from regulatory uncertainty and attempts to restrict crypto infrastructure.
A Kraken spokesperson emphasized that the company sees itself as a “single-issue donor,” supporting candidates and groups that work toward clearer, more effective digital asset rules. While both organizations receiving funding are tied to pro-Trump and Republican causes, the exchange stressed that its stance is based on crypto policy, not party alignment. “Crypto is a non-partisan issue,” the spokesperson said, noting that more than 50 million Americans now own digital assets.
The donations come at a time when Congress is making progress on digital asset legislation. The GENIUS Act, which sets out a framework for stablecoins, passed the House earlier this year with bipartisan backing. Lawmakers are also advancing broader market structure reforms that would clarify the oversight roles of the SEC and CFTC, with some predicting a bill could reach President Donald Trump by late 2025.
Kraken’s move adds to a growing push from the crypto industry to influence Washington. Earlier this month, Fellowship PAC launched with more than $100 million in funding to support candidates seen as crypto-friendly, joining other well-financed groups like Fairshake PAC. With midterm elections approaching, political spending from exchanges and advocacy groups is expected to play a major role in shaping the future of regulation in the sector.
