Solana just hit the delete button on a video ad that stirred up quite the storm. The Solana Foundation thought it would be clever to post a video ad titled “America is Back—Time to Accelerate.” It showed “America” in a therapy session, grappling with whether to focus on technology or get tangled up in debates over pronouns and gender identity. What could go wrong, right? Well, plenty. Despite racking up over a million views, the ad was yanked after just nine hours. Ouch.
Solana’s controversial ad, addressing sensitive topics, sparked outrage and was deleted within hours.
The backlash was swift and brutal. Critics, including big names in the crypto community like Adam Cochran and David McIntyre, didn’t hold back. They ripped the ad apart, calling it tone-deaf and offensive. It seemed to stray far from Solana’s stated values of diversity and inclusion. Over 1,300 comments came pouring in, mostly negative. It was a digital dumpster fire, and the flames just kept growing.
Even Multicoin Capital’s Tushar Jain, who initially praised the ad, quickly deleted his supportive post. Talk about a quick change of heart!
The ad was supposed to hype up Solana’s upcoming conference, but it fell flat by wading into sensitive territory. Responses ranged from sarcastic to downright furious, with comments like “offensive, cringe, and pandering” echoing through social media. Critics argued that this kind of “rage bait” marketing could backfire, alienating a big chunk of their audience. The controversy highlighted concerns over neutrality and inclusivity in the crypto space, especially since the ad’s release coincided with Trump’s actions on gender and sexual orientation.
In the aftermath, discussions about political messaging in the crypto world reignited. Traditionally, the industry has tried to stay neutral, but Solana’s misstep threatened to pull it into the partisan muck. Prominent figures like Caitlin Cook emphasized the need for a careful approach, yet Solana’s native token took a nosedive amid the chaos.
