An April survey commissioned by CoinDesk found that 533 of 849 respondents to a cryptocurrency question held a less favorable impression of the industry. The remaining 316 respondents expressed a more favorable impression. The survey sampled 1,000 randomly selected registered voters across the United States, including voters outside the crypto sector. The survey covered multiple issues and invited respondents to explain their favorable or unfavorable impressions of cryptocurrency in a short response.
The survey found Republican-aligned respondents nearly evenly divided, with 178 expressing a more favorable impression and 212 a less favorable impression. Democratic-aligned respondents were much more negative, with 233 expressing a less favorable impression and 88 a more favorable impression. Independent respondents also leaned negative, with 88 expressing a less favorable impression compared with 54 expressing a more favorable impression.
Supportive respondents frequently explained their views by citing investment gains. One young Republican-aligned respondent who supported President Donald Trump in the 2024 election said Bitcoin had generated substantial profits and described Bitcoin as transparent and safe. Some respondents viewed cryptocurrencies as protection against the dollar. Several respondents considered crypto a secure means of exchanging currency, a safer form of money or an attractive investment. One respondent described crypto as useful protection against inflation outside the United States.
The survey found supportive respondents across all age groups, with younger voters generally more favorable toward cryptocurrency than older voters. However, respondents aged 18 to 24 included 20 with a favorable impression and 24 with a less favorable impression. Older voters, particularly respondents aged 55 and above, were substantially more likely to express unfavorable than favorable views.
Skeptical respondents described crypto as a risky investment, inadequately regulated, not genuine money or a temporary trend. Several respondents cited difficulties paying for goods with crypto. Many respondents expressed distrust or concerns about fraud. One Democratic-leaning respondent who did not vote in 2024 cited volatility, inadequate regulation, the difficulty of following numerous cryptocurrencies and the possibility of investment losses.
Other respondents said insufficient knowledge prevented a favorable impression of crypto. Many respondents worried that forgotten passwords could cause the loss of funds. One Republican-aligned voter cited religious beliefs without explaining further. Several respondents expressed concerns that the government could track users and seize assets. Several other respondents explicitly linked their unfavorable views to Trump and the Trump family’s crypto business connections.
