Meet the AI, crypto executive cozying up to Trump while also...
One of the major players in the crypto and artificial intelligence (AI) industries attempting to cozy up to the Trump administration is a longtime Democratic operative and donor who has backed anti-Trump efforts and candidates while working for companies stacked with Democratic activists.
Political Influence and Donations
Chris Lehane, a veteran political strategist dating back to the Clinton administration, has donated over $150,000 to Democrats, FEC records show, and many of those Democrats have been outspoken Trump critics for several years. Lehane has been a major backer of Democratic Sen. Mark Warner, who voted to convict Trump during his impeachment trial in 2021 and against several of Trump’s Cabinet nominees.
Connections to Democratic Activists
Lehane has been a major backer of Democratic Sen. Mark Warner, who voted to convict Trump during his impeachment trial in 2021 and against several of Trump’s Cabinet nominees. He also hosted a San Francisco fundraiser for the Virginia senator, along with Open AI’s Sam Altman, in March. Warner has been a key figure in the resistance to the Trump administration.
Influence on Crypto and AI Policy
In 2024, Lehane joined the board of Coinbase, which operates one of the largest crypto exchanges in the world, and has taken an active role influencing crypto and AI policy in recent months. Coinbase’s Board of Directors and prominent investors have donated more than $22 million to Democratic candidates and committees while donating less than $5 million to Republicans, FEC records show.
Coinbase's Political Affiliations
Those donations include almost $50,000 to Kamala Harris' campaign since 2009, including to her presidential campaign, from top Coinbase investor and Democratic donor Ron Conway. Since 1999, board member Fred Wilson has given over $2 million to political campaigns and committees, and only $17,600 of that went to Republicans, FEC records show.
Advisory Council and Political Alignments
Additionally, Coinbase’s Global Advisory Council is laden with Trump critics, including individuals with strong ties to Democratic politicians and causes. The company also has Trump allies on its advisory board.
AI and Political Strategy
Lately, Lehane has been vocal about efforts to cozy up to the incoming administration, which has made advancing crypto and AI technology a priority. He has had many meetings with Trump administration officials about AI policy, and expects a full strategy to be released by the summer.
Lehane also serves as the vice president of global affairs at OpenAI, a company that has partnered with a new AI initiative led by a group co-founded with outgoing Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry.
Conclusion
Lehane's involvement in both the political and technological spheres highlights the intersection of interest between AI, crypto, and government policies. His relationships and contributions showcase the complex dynamics at play in these industries.
