Solana Foundation Faces Backlash Over Divisive US Ad

The Solana Foundation has found itself in the midst of a controversy following the release of a promotional video titled “America is Back—Time to Accelerate.” The ad, which was posted on the Solana Foundation’s official X account on March 17, depicted the United States as a man in therapy struggling to focus on technological advancements, including cryptocurrency and space travel, due to societal debates on pronouns and gender identity.

The video quickly drew criticism from the crypto community for its politically charged and divisive content. Many within the industry condemned the ad for undermining the values of neutrality and inclusivity that the crypto space is known for. The backlash was swift and significant, leading the Solana Foundation to remove the video after just nine hours, despite it amassing over one million views.

In response to the controversy, Matt Sorg, the Vice President of Technology at the Solana Foundation, clarified that only a limited number of people within the Solana ecosystem were directly involved in the production of the ad. He explained that most of the production steps were outsourced to external teams, and that the video did not reflect the broader views of the Solana ecosystem. Sorg also defended the foundation, stating that the video was not representative of the ecosystem’s excitement about the message.

Sorg’s comments came in response to questions from Adam Cochran, a partner at Cinneamhain Ventures, who questioned how the ad passed multiple stages of approval without objections. Cochran argued that if few individuals were involved, someone should have raised concerns during the brainstorming, scriptwriting, filming, or post-production stages. Sorg, however, maintained that the video was not a reflection of the broader Solana community’s views.

Despite the foundation’s attempts to distance itself from the ad’s divisive messaging, prominent voices within the crypto community continued to criticize the campaign. Caitlin Cook, a well-known community member, described the ad as “embarrassing and cringe,” urging the foundation to focus on inspiring and shaping the narrative rather than fueling division. Andrew Thurman of the Jito Foundation also criticized blockchain organizations for engaging in political discourse, urging neutrality.

Ask Aime: What caused the controversy surrounding the Solana Foundation's promotional video, and how has it affected the foundation's reputation and public perception?

David McIntyre, the COO of Doublezero and a former member of the Solana Foundation, described the video as “horrendous.” He argued that celebrating America did not require addressing cultural conflicts and urged the foundation to focus on positive messaging about Solana’s impact. Cochran delivered one of the strongest rebukes, highlighting the significant contributions of transgender developers to open-source cryptography, security, and intelligence software. He criticized the ad’s premise, pointing out that the industry has long been driven by a culture of meritocracy that values contributions over identity.

The controversy surrounding the Solana Foundation’s ad has reignited debates about political messaging in the crypto industry. Critics argue that the ad signaled a shift toward partisan narratives, which could undermine the industry’s values of neutrality and inclusivity. The backlash serves as a reminder of the importance of careful consideration and sensitivity in promotional materials, especially in a community that values diversity and innovation.