Ark Invest CEO Cathie Wood has made a surprising announcement regarding her voting preference in the upcoming presidential election. Despite being a prominent advocate for cryptocurrencies, Wood revealed that she would vote for former President Donald Trump over President Joe Biden. Her decision is rooted in her belief that Trump’s economic policies would be more beneficial for the country’s economy.
During an interview with YouTuber Kevin Paffrath, Wood expressed her stance on the election. When asked to choose between Trump and Biden, she emphasized that her vote would be based on economic considerations. As a voter focused on economics, she leans toward Trump, citing his track record during his presidency from 2017 to 2021 (excluding the pandemic-affected final year). Economist Arthur Laffer, who advised Trump during his 2016 campaign, characterized this period as the strongest in US economic history.
Laffer’s Influence
Wood referenced Laffer’s assessment of Trump’s economic legacy. Laffer, known for his groundbreaking economic theories, co-authored the book “Trumponomics: Inside the America First Plan to Revive Our Economy” with Stephen Moore. In recognition of his influence on policy, Trump awarded Laffer the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award in the United States. Laffer’s endorsement of Trump’s economic approach aligns with Wood’s perspective.
Trump’s Crypto Stance
Interestingly, while Wood supports Trump’s economic policies, she remains a strong advocate for cryptocurrencies. She personally and professionally invests in Bitcoin and other digital assets. Wood views Bitcoin as a valuable hedge against inflation, especially in countries with less stable currencies. Meanwhile, Trump has also shown interest in cryptocurrencies, promising to reduce hostility toward the crypto industry if reelected. He contrasts his position with that of President Biden, emphasizing his understanding of digital assets.
Billionaires’ Support
Wood’s informal endorsement follows a trend among billionaires supporting Trump’s presidential campaign. Stephen A. Schwarzman, CEO of Blackstone, has endorsed Trump as a “vote for change.” Additionally, the Winklevoss twins contributed $1 million each in Bitcoin to support the Republican candidate. Despite differing opinions on various issues, economic considerations continue to play a significant role in shaping voting preferences among influential figures.