- Coinbase hosted and then removed a page promoting the Elizabeth Whoren meme coin targeting Senator Elizabeth Warren, a prominent crypto industry critic
- The Elizabeth Whoren token used Warren’s likeness and was created by some in the crypto community to poke fun at her policy stances
- The situation highlighted tensions between the crypto industry and regulators like Warren, as well as risks for crypto companies trying to balance different audiences
Coinbase recently removed a page from its website that promoted a meme coin called “Elizabeth Whoren.” The token targeted U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren, who has frequently criticized the cryptocurrency industry.
Details on the Elizabeth Whoren Meme Coin
The Elizabeth Whoren token featured a logo using Warren’s likeness. Its website described the token as a “community driven DeFi Meme Token” and claimed it had no affiliation with Warren herself.
The coin’s creators said they wanted it to “get the community together and poke fun at the establishment.” However, they also acknowledged that Warren has made “many great contributions” and stated they did not want the token to become a “bullying meme.”
Coinbase’s Promotion and Removal of the Page
Coinbase had hosted a page promoting Elizabeth Whoren that described it as the “crypto community’s response” to Warren’s criticism of crypto. The page provided details on how to purchase the token.
After crypto industry critics and media outlets noted the page, Coinbase removed it. A spokesperson said the company strives to be apolitical and that the page should not have been published.
Warren’s Critiques of the Crypto Industry
Warren has been an outspoken critic of the cryptocurrency industry. In hearings and public statements, she has warned about crypto’s risks and volatility.
The senator has also criticized crypto executives and questioned whether sufficient regulation and consumer protection exists in the industry. She has advocated for regulating crypto similarly to traditional financial services.
Reaction in the Crypto Community
Many in the crypto community criticized Coinbase’s promotion of the Elizabeth Whoren token as immature and likely to further antagonize regulators like Warren.
Others defended the meme coin as representing valid critiques of Warren’s policy stances regarding crypto. They saw Coinbase’s removal of the page as the company bowing to public pressure.
Final Thoughts
The brief appearance and quick removal of the Elizabeth Whoren page highlighted ongoing tensions between the crypto industry and policymakers over regulation. It also demonstrated risks for companies like Coinbase trying to balance serving crypto users and appealing to a mainstream audience.
