A Pew Research Center survey of 8,512 U.S. adults found that 22% of Republicans and Republican-leaning independents have invested in, traded, or used cryptocurrencies, compared with 17% of Democrats and Democratic leaners, marking a partisan divide in digital asset adoption. The gap emerged as Republican participation rose from 16% in 2021 while Democratic usage remained unchanged at 17%, according to figures published by Pew Research Center earlier this month. The shift follows broader changes in the cryptocurrency policy landscape, including the Trump administration's signing of the GENIUS Act into law in 2025 to establish a stablecoin regulatory framework.
Pew Research Center Survey Shows 22% Republican Crypto Participation
The Pew Research Center survey of 8,512 U.S. adults showed that about one in five Americans have used cryptocurrencies such as bitcoin and ether. Republican and Republican-leaning independents reported 22% participation, while Democrats and Democratic leaners reported 17% participation.
Morning Consult data cited by CNBC showed that by the second quarter of 2025, 27.9% of Republicans had bought or sold cryptocurrency over the previous 12 months, compared with 17.3% of Democrats. That gap later narrowed to about five percentage points.
Republican Crypto Use Rose From 16% in 2021
Republicans and Democrats had reported similar levels of crypto use in earlier surveys, according to Pew Research Center. Republican participation rose from 16% in 2021, while Democratic usage remained unchanged at 17% over the same period.
Analysts cited by the source said the divide began taking shape around the 2024 election cycle, with Morning Consult data showing Republican participation in crypto trading widened sharply during that period.
Men Account for Three-Quarters of Crypto Traders
Men account for roughly three-quarters of crypto traders, according to Morning Consult data cited by CNBC. Data from Pew Research Center showed that 38% of men aged 18 to 29 and 40% of men aged 30 to 49 reported using cryptocurrencies, compared with 15% and 17%, respectively, among women in those age brackets.
Young men have been particularly active participants, with men under 45 trading crypto at about twice the rate of women in the same age group between 2022 and 2026, according to Morning Consult data cited by CNBC.
Trump Administration Signed GENIUS Act Into Law in 2025
The Trump administration signed the GENIUS Act into law in 2025, establishing a regulatory framework for stablecoins. The legislation was viewed as a major milestone for the industry, according to the source.
President Donald Trump launched several NFT collections beginning in 2022 and later expanded into digital asset ventures alongside members of his family. The White House has promoted plans to make the United States the "crypto capital of the world," according to Associated Press.
FAQ
What percentage of Republicans use cryptocurrency compared to Democrats?
A Pew Research Center survey of 8,512 U.S. adults found that 22% of Republicans and Republican-leaning independents have invested in, traded, or used cryptocurrencies, compared with 17% of Democrats and Democratic leaners.
How did Republican crypto participation change since 2021?
Republican participation in cryptocurrency rose from 16% in 2021 to 22% in the most recent Pew Research Center survey, while Democratic usage remained unchanged at 17% over the same period.
What regulatory framework did the Trump administration establish for cryptocurrency?
The Trump administration signed the GENIUS Act into law in 2025, establishing a regulatory framework for stablecoins. The legislation was viewed as a major milestone for the industry.
