Elon Musk, not Trump, is the most influential person in the U.S. with cryptocurrencies

Elon Musk has emerged as the most influential figure in cryptocurrency, surpassing former US President Donald Trump. The top cryptocurrency influence ranking also includes current and former members of Congress. Notably, the list includes only one non-US politician and one woman.

The analysis performed by ApeX Protocol used data-based indicators to identify and rank the most influential public figures in today's cryptocurrency space.

Today's Influential Voices in Cryptocurrency

Early this month, the trading platform ApeX Protocol released an in-depth analysis identifying the most influential voices in cryptocurrency. Their methodology combined estimated cryptocurrency holdings, net worth, and social media reach.

"What this ranking actually shows is that cryptocurrency influence is not just about who has the biggest wallet. It's about who is getting attention... This mixture is what makes the current cryptocurrency space unique. It's not simply technology or finance, but politics, communication, and culture are intertwined." – ApeX Spokesperson

The final score was determined by the total number of followers on X and Instagram, reflecting each individual's ability to shape public opinion and attract attention in the cryptocurrency space.

1. Elon Musk

As the Tesla CEO and Dogecoin enthusiast, Musk has surpassed President Trump as the most influential political figure in cryptocurrency. Musk has 221.2 million social media followers and frequently shares his views on cryptocurrency. His estimated cryptocurrency holdings are $2 billion, including corporate investments, which placed him at the top in all aspects.

2. Donald Trump

The current US President secured the second position. He has 142.7 million followers on X and holds the third-highest cryptocurrency portfolio, exceeding $1.3 million. According to a report released by the Democracy Guardian Fund earlier this year, the President's cryptocurrency assets represent 37% of his total wealth.

3. Nayib Bukele

El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele is the only non-US politician in the top 10. He holds approximately $8.4 million in cryptocurrency assets and was the first to introduce Bitcoin as legal tender, though he later withdrew this under pressure from the International Monetary Fund. He has 17.6 million followers on social media and frequently communicates about cryptocurrency.

4. Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

The current Secretary of Health and Human Services holds cryptocurrency worth $750,000 in his portfolio. He maintains a social media account with nearly 11 million followers.

Kennedy frequently refers to Bitcoin as the "money of freedom". He believes Bitcoin provides a hedge against inflation for middle-class Americans and can be a solution to the devaluation of the US dollar.

5. Ted Cruz

The current Texas Senator and former State Attorney General holds approximately $32,500 in cryptocurrency. He maintains a significant social media presence with 9.1 million followers on X and Instagram.

Cruz strongly supports Texas as a Bitcoin mining and cryptocurrency hub. He emphasizes Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies as crucial safeguards against government control, highlighting decentralization unlike central bank digital currencies.

6. JD Vance

Following Senator Cruz, Vice President JD Vance has emerged as a significant influential figure in cryptocurrency, ranking sixth. His influence stems from his public role and 6.2 million social media followers. His estimated cryptocurrency holdings of $375,000 are ahead of most politicians.

Vance believes the US should strategically adopt Bitcoin, especially considering China's cryptocurrency trading and mining ban. He suggests Beijing's opposition to Bitcoin should motivate the US to adopt it.

The Vice President has also praised the establishment of a strategic Bitcoin reserve by the US government and continuously encourages the cryptocurrency community to be politically active.

7. Madison Cawthorn

Madison Cawthorn, a 29-year-old former North Carolina Republican Representative, holds $116,500 in digital assets.

As the youngest public figure on this list, he maintains a significant social media presence with over 1.18 million followers. As a constitutional conservative, he demonstrates cryptocurrency's appeal among new generation political voices.

Cawthorn generally favors cryptocurrency. He previously promoted the "Let's Go Brandon" (LGB) coin, making an optimistic statement that "this is going to the moon". However, his cryptocurrency trades have sparked controversy.

In December 2022, the House Ethics Committee determined that he had inappropriately promoted tokens. He received "inappropriate gifts" through undisclosed investments and favorable conditions.

He also failed to submit trade reports on time. While insider trading allegations were investigated, the committee did not conclude that he profited from non-public information.

8. Cynthia Lummis

Wyoming Senator Cynthia Lummis is a major advocate for cryptocurrency in Congress, known as the "Queen of Crypto", and is the only woman in the top 10 of this list.

She holds approximately $230,000 in cryptocurrency and has over 390,000 social media followers. Lummis currently chairs the Senate Digital Assets Subcommittee.

In March 2025, she reintroduced the BITCOIN Act to establish a U.S. strategic Bitcoin reserve. Lummis also co-sponsored the GENIUS Act recently signed by President Trump.

She supports the CLARITY Act to establish a regulatory market structure for digital assets.

9. Francis Suarez

Francis Suarez, the Miami mayor and prominent lawyer, holds $10,000 worth of virtual currency and over 200,000 social media followers, ranking second to last on the list.

Despite a lower net worth, the Republican mayor gained nationwide attention for his strong advocacy and ambitious cryptocurrency-related initiatives.

Suarez actively pursued a vision of making Miami the "World Bitcoin Capital" to promote economic growth and attract tech talent. His initiatives include receiving salaries in Bitcoin and enabling tax payments with cryptocurrency.

He also played a crucial role in launching MiamiCoin and actively attracts cryptocurrency companies. Despite market volatility, he views Bitcoin as the "money of freedom" and an important tool for economic diversification.

10. Pat Toomey

Pat Toomey, an American businessman and former Pennsylvania Representative, rounds out the top 10 with approximately $8,000 in cryptocurrency and nearly 187,000 social media followers.

As a former senior member of the Senate Banking Committee, Toomey argued for a clear regulatory framework distinguishing cryptocurrency products and securities.

Toomey was a key figure in the Stablecoin Bill, introducing the 2022 Stablecoin TRUST Act to ensure proper backing and transparency.

Special Mention: Michael Collins, Michael McCaul

Michael Collins, a U.S. Representative from Georgia, holds about $8,000 in cryptocurrency. With 130,000 social media followers, his $18.75 million net worth makes him an influential figure in the broader cryptocurrency conversation. He is just outside the top 10.

Michael McCaul, a U.S. Representative from Texas and current House Foreign Affairs Committee Chair, concludes the list of influential political figures in cryptocurrency.

With an estimated net worth of $200 million, he ranks third highest in net worth. McCaul's reported cryptocurrency holdings are linked to Michael Collins'.