Cardano Founder Slams USAID’s “Garbage” Bitcoin-Extremism Link

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 Charles Hoskinson is an American entrepreneur and blockchain visionary. He co-founded IOHK, and Cardano (ADA), a blockchain project. He also co-founded the Ethereum blockchain platform. With the help of Cardano’s proof-of-stake (PoS) blockchain, Charles weighs on scalability, security, and interoperability to facilitate enterprise blockchain adoption. He directs research in Web3, cryptocurrency innovation, and decentralized governance through IOHK. 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 around $700 million Charles Hoskinson's work in cryptography, digital assets, and blockchain promotion has recognized him in the crypto. His efforts in developing blockchain have greatly contributed to the advancement of DeFi and blockchain networks globally. Charles Hoskinson - Professional Career Timeline 2013 – Co-founded Ethereum (ETH), contributing to smart contracts and decentralized applications. 2014 – Left Ethereum over governance disputes and founded IOHK (Input Output Hong Kong). 2015 – Started developing Cardano (ADA), a third-generation blockchain with a proof-of-stake (PoS) model. 2017 – Launched Cardano mainnet, introducing scalable and secure blockchain solutions. 2019 – Led Cardano’s Shelley upgrade, enhancing network decentralization and staking rewards. 2021 – Rolled out Alonzo hard fork, enabling smart contracts and DeFi on Cardano. 2022 – Expanded Web3, governance, and blockchain adoption via Cardano’s Vasil hard fork. 2023 – Advocated financial inclusion and blockchain education in Africa and developing nations. 2024 – Advanced self-sovereign identity and on-chain governance with Cardano’s latest updates. Present – Continues shaping blockchain innovation, DeFi, and decentralized ecosystems through IOHK. He has collaborated with various tech experts and blockchain startups. Charles sees decentralized finance as a tool for financial freedom. He also educates crypto beginners through social media sites, conferences, and tech channels. Useful Links to Connect With Charles Hoskinson Platform Link X (formerly Twitter) Charles Hoskinson (@IOHK_Charles) / X LinkedIn profile Charles Hoskinson - Self-employed | LinkedIn Cardano Foundation Cardano Foundation YouTube profile https://www.youtube.com/c/charleshoskinson 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.

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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.