Cardano Founder Slams USAID’s “Garbage” Bitcoin-Extremism Link
Nidhi Kolhapur10 Feb 20253 min read
Bitcoin has sparked debates for years, but now it’s at the center of a new controversy – this time involving U.S. government funding. Cardano founder Charles Hoskinson Charles Hoskinson at Ethereum Charles Hoskinson is a prominent American entrepreneur and a visionary in the blockchain spaceHe also co-founded the Ethereum blockchain platform and founder of IOHK. He developed a Module proof-of-stake(Pos) blockchain that helps Charles scale and secure enterprise blockchain adoption. Quick Facts Full Name Charles Hoskinson Birth 05-11-1987 in Hawaii, United States Nationality American Education University of Colorado Boulder, Metropolitan State University of Denver Marital Status Unmarried as of 2025 Net Worth Estimated to be around $700 million Experience Co-founder of Ethereum, contributing to smart contracts and Dapps in the year 2013. Established IOHK ( Input Output Hong Kong) on the year 2014. Developed and launched Cardano with the (PoS) model in the year 2015 to 2017. Growth of Cardano's Web3, improving blockchain system I the year 2022. Promoted insights about blockchain in Africa and other developing countries in the year 2023. Promoted a digital identity control system, improving the Cardano network in the year 2024. At present, driving innovation in blockchain DeFi and decentralized systems at IOHK. Chief Executive Officer has called out the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) for backing a book that links Bitcoin to right-wing extremism.
The revelation, brought to light by WikiLeaks, has stirred outrage among crypto supporters. Why is a government agency funding such a narrative?
Let’s break it down.
USAID-Funded Book Sparks Controversy
WikiLeaks recently revealed that USAID funded Cyberlibertarianism: The Right-Wing Politics of Digital Technology, a book by David Golumbia. Published by the University of Minnesota Press, the book argues that Bitcoin and cyberlibertarianism align with right-wing ideologies. According to WikiLeaks, the project received over $80,000 in U.S. government funding.
Hoskinson called the book’s claims “garbage,” voicing his frustration on social media.
USAID Faces Scrutiny
This comes at a time when USAID is under growing scrutiny. The Trump administration recently issued an executive order freezing the agency’s funding, affecting its global humanitarian projects. Reports also suggest that some USAID staff members have been placed on leave, adding to uncertainty about the agency’s future.
Hoskinson isn’t alone in questioning USAID’s budget. Representative French Hill, chairman of the House Financial Services Committee (HFSC), recently commented on the agency’s spending. He revealed that Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is also reviewing USAID’s financial allocations. Additionally, Hill noted that Secretary of State Mike Rubio, who oversees USAID, will play a key role in deciding the agency’s future funding.
The Bigger Debate: Bitcoin’s Reputation and Government Influence
Hoskinson’s criticism highlights a broader debate over Bitcoin’s portrayal in government-backed research. Supporters argue that such narratives attempt to discredit decentralized technologies, which they see as essential for financial inclusion and economic freedom.
The controversy reflects ongoing tensions between the crypto industry and government agencies.
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