The crypto industry and the artificial intelligence sector are increasingly entering American politics. After the 2024 elections, both areas sharply increased their influence in Washington, and related lobbyists raised record budgets to support candidates.
However, this strategy has a downside. New polls show that a significant portion of American voters still do not trust cryptocurrencies, and their attitude toward artificial intelligence is more cautious than positive.
Against this backdrop, support from crypto companies and the AI lobby could become a toxic factor for some candidates as early as the 2026 midterm elections.
Crypto Market Increases Influence After the Elections
The past year and a half has been a turning point for the industry. After massive spending by crypto PACs on federal elections, the industry received noticeably more lenient treatment from authorities.
The market expects that the CLARITY Act will become the first comprehensive framework regulation for digital assets in the U.S. The White House and part of Congress already openly support the accelerated adoption of the document.
But along with the growth of political influence, public attention to who exactly is funding candidates’ campaigns has also increased.
Americans Still Do Not Trust Cryptocurrencies
According to Politico and Public First polls, most Americans still view cryptocurrencies with caution.
About 47% of respondents said they trust traditional banks more than crypto platforms. Only 17% consider crypto services to be as reliable as the banking system.
Even among Republican voters, attitudes remain mixed. Industry support is higher than among Democrats, but the market has not yet gained full trust.
The Situation With AI Remains Difficult Too
The artificial intelligence sector faces a similar problem. About 43% of Americans believe that the risks of AI outweigh its potential benefits. For comparison, only a third of survey participants view the impact of technology positively.
The main fear is not only about the automation of jobs. Increasingly, there is discussion about the energy consumption of data centers, Big Tech’s influence on politics, and control over user data.
Crypto PACs Are Still Little Known, but That May Change
Interestingly, most voters still do not even know the names of the largest crypto and AI lobbies.
Only a few percent of Americans have heard of the crypto PAC Fairshake. By comparison, traditional political organizations like the NRA have long been part of the U.S. political mainstream.
However, the problem for the industry may begin precisely when recognition grows. Experts believe that voters react negatively to large corporate influence on elections, regardless of the sector.
Candidates Begin to Distance Themselves From the Industry
Some politicians are already cautious about open ties to the crypto market. Republican Jim Renacci admitted that many ordinary voters “do not understand crypto and do not feel comfortable around it.” For candidates, this could be a problem in competitive states.
Among Democrats, the situation is even tougher. Some activists are already demanding a complete rejection of funding from AI companies and crypto lobbyists.
AI Sparks Local Protests
While the crypto market is mainly facing reputational risks for now, AI has already begun to encounter direct resistance at the local level. In several U.S. states, residents have opposed the construction of large data centers. These are projects worth tens of billions of dollars.
The reasons vary. People are concerned about the load on the power grid, water consumption, and the growing influence of tech corporations on local infrastructure. In some regions, projects have already been frozen or sent back for review.
Crypto Increasingly Associated With Trump
An additional risk for the industry is the political association with Donald Trump. After the 2024 elections, the crypto market received strong support from the Republican administration. The industry saw this as a victory.
But now the situation has become more complicated. Amid foreign policy conflicts, economic disputes, and Trump’s falling ratings, crypto is gradually beginning to be associated with one political side. For some Democrats, this has already become a convenient line of attack.
Democrats Begin to Use the Crypto Issue in Campaigns
In the Illinois primaries, candidate Juliana Stratton accused her opponent of ties to the “MAGA crypto business.” As a result, she confidently won the race.
This showed that the issue of crypto funding can work as a political argument against candidates.
If this strategy spreads further, the industry risks turning from a source of support into an additional problem for politicians.
Regulation May Also Change
Experts warn that the close connection of the crypto market with one party could hurt the industry in the future.
If power changes hands again, the attitude toward the industry could become much tougher. Especially if crypto finally becomes entrenched in the public consciousness as part of Trump’s political camp.
In that case, the current support from Congress and the White House may prove temporary.
What’s Next?
The 2026 midterm elections are becoming the first serious test for the political influence of the crypto market and the AI industry. On one hand, the sectors have gained access to Washington and begun to influence regulation. On the other, public trust remains weak.
For now, crypto companies are betting on lobbying and political connections. But if voter attitudes do not change, industry support may become more of a risk than an advantage for candidates.
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