Elizabeth Warren’s Satoshi Nakamoto flag was likely sponsored by unknown individual
The origin of a US flag that honors Bitcoin's creator is still unclear.
Unverified reports on Feb. 15 suggest that Senator Elizabeth Warren’s office has flown an American flag over the US Capitol to commemorate Bitcoin creator Satoshi Nakamoto.
A certificate signed by Warren reads:
“This is to certify that the accompanying flag was flown … in honor of Satoshi Nakamoto for the 15th anniversary of Bitcoin, the first truly inclusive financial system that is providing new economic freedoms to populations previously ignored by both public and private institutions.”
Photos of the flag and its attached certificate were first shared by the New York Bitcoin-themed bar PubKey. News of the development was later covered in an article by Bitcoin Magazine. That article later circulated more widely in Nasdaq’s aggregated news feed.
The certificate seemingly originated in the United States Capitol Flag Program, an initiative that processes requests for commemorative US flags.
Though the main program allows requests from Members of Congress, individuals can request a flag through the offices of representatives and senators. Warren’s office charges $15 to $27 per flag, plus an additional $9.00 to have the flag flown over the capitol. As such, it appears that the flag request was sponsored by an unknown individual for that price.
Flag does not mean Warren is pro-crypto
Although Warren or her staffers have signed the relevant certificate, it does not appear that the certificate’s statement represents the official policy of Warren or her office.
Warren is known for her extensive anti-cryptocurrency stance. She has consistently advocated for a piece of anti-crypto legislation titled The Digital Asset Anti-Money Laundering Act. Warren has also frequently criticized cryptocurrency’s alleged role in the drug trade, sanctions evasion, terrorism, and senior fraud, alongside any potential for money laundering.
Furthermore, Warren has not published any statement on the current certificate. Warren’s office did not respond to CryptoSlate’s request for comment by press time.