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Cardano’s Inclusion in U.S. Crypto Reserve Overshadows Founder’s Summit Snub

The White House’s inaugural crypto summit, set for March 7, 2025, has ignited both excitement and controversy. Hosted by President Donald Trump, the event aims to chart a regulatory path for digital assets in the U.S., drawing industry heavyweights like Ripple’s Brad Garlinghouse and MicroStrategy’s Michael Saylor. Yet one notable absence stands out: Charles Hoskinson, co-founder of Cardano, whose ADA token is slated for inclusion in the proposed U.S. Crypto Strategic Reserve.

The Summit’s Agenda: Policy Over Personalities

The White House Crypto Summit marks a turning point in U.S. crypto policy. Led by AI and Crypto Czar David Sacks, the gathering focuses on fostering innovation while addressing regulatory challenges. Attendees include CEOs from Coinbase, Gemini, and Robinhood, alongside policymakers. The administration’s goal is clear—to position the U.S. as a global crypto leader, partly through a proposed national reserve of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Cardano’s ADA.

President Trump’s recent social media post highlighted ADA’s inclusion, framing the reserve as a safeguard against market volatility and a rebuke to the Biden administration’s “corrupt attacks” on crypto. This move aligns with Trump’s pro-crypto stance, which has gained traction since his 2024 election campaign.

Who is Charles Hoskinson—and Why Was He Excluded?

Hoskinson, a blockchain pioneer and Cardano’s co-founder, is no stranger to advocacy. Cardano, launched in 2017, ranks among the top cryptocurrencies by market cap ($35.6 billion) and is praised for its energy-efficient proof-of-stake model. Despite this, a White House source told Unchained that Hoskinson and his team “are not involved in anything” related to crypto policy, dismissing them as pushing their “own sort of narrative.”

Hoskinson confirmed his exclusion in a March 6 livestream, stating, “Real policy work happens within the legislative branch,” where he claims to have long-standing collaborations. He downplayed the summit’s significance, framing it as a “photo op” rather than a policymaking milestone.

Cardano’s Inclusion: A Strategic Nod to Market Clout

While Hoskinson’s absence raises eyebrows, ADA’s place in the U.S. Crypto Strategic Reserve underscores its market relevance. The reserve, likened to the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, aims to stabilize markets and secure U.S. dominance in the digital economy. ADA’s inclusion signals regulatory acceptance of its technology, potentially boosting institutional investment.

Yet the disconnect between ADA’s recognition and its founder’s exclusion hints at a broader administration strategy: prioritizing assets over individuals. This approach may sideline vocal leaders while embracing projects deemed systemically important.

Implications for Crypto’s Future

Hoskinson’s snub reflects tensions between crypto innovators and policymakers. While some leaders, like Ripple’s Garlinghouse, have forged ties with the Trump administration (even donating $5 million in XRP to his inaugural committee), others remain on the periphery. This could incentivize projects to align more closely with political agendas or focus on grassroots legislative efforts.

For Cardano, inclusion in the reserve may validate its technology but leaves questions about its role in shaping policy. Meanwhile, the summit’s outcomes—particularly around Bitcoin reserves and stablecoin rules—could set precedents impacting the entire industry.

Conclusion: A New Era of Selective Collaboration

The White House Crypto Summit highlights a pivotal shift in how governments engage with crypto. While projects like Cardano gain institutional legitimacy, their leaders’ influence may hinge on political alignment. Hoskinson’s exclusion, juxtaposed with ADA’s inclusion, underscores this duality. As the industry watches the summit unfold, the lesson is clear: In the intersection of crypto and policy, assets may speak louder than voices.

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