The Solana Foundation is under fire after releasing a controversial promotional video that sparked heated debates within the crypto community. The now-deleted ad, titled America is Back—Time to Accelerate, was posted on Solana’s official X account on March 17 and depicted the United States as a man in therapy struggling to focus on technological progress—such as crypto and space exploration—due to societal debates over pronouns and gender identity.
The video was widely condemned for introducing divisive political messaging into the crypto space, a sector that has traditionally positioned itself as neutral and inclusive. Many community members argued that the ad contradicted the principles of decentralization and open innovation. Following intense backlash, the Solana Foundation removed the video after it amassed over one million views in just nine hours.
Matt Sorg, Solana Foundation’s Vice President of Technology, responded to the controversy, stating that only a small group within the Solana ecosystem had direct involvement in the video’s production. He clarified that much of the work was outsourced to external teams and that the video did not represent the broader Solana community. In response to criticism from industry figures such as Cinneamhain Ventures’ Adam Cochran, Sorg acknowledged the need for better oversight while defending creative freedom in marketing strategies.
Despite Sorg’s clarification, the crypto community continued to condemn the campaign. Industry leaders like Caitlin Cook and Andrew Thurman criticized the ad for being needlessly political, arguing that blockchain organizations should remain neutral rather than fuel ideological conflicts. Former Solana Foundation member David McIntyre described the video as “horrendous,” emphasizing that Solana should focus on showcasing its technological advancements rather than engaging in cultural debates.
Cochran further highlighted the contributions of transgender developers to cryptography, security, and intelligence software, calling out the ad’s messaging as contradictory to the industry’s meritocratic values. The controversy has reignited discussions about the role of political narratives in crypto branding, with many calling for companies to prioritize innovation over divisive rhetoric.
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