Solana Foundation Faces Backlash Over Controversial Ad, Deletes It After Criticism

The Solana Foundation pulled an ad on Monday after widespread backlash over its perceived anti-queer messaging. The now-deleted ad, meant to promote Solana’s first U.S. conference, depicted "America" in therapy, struggling to focus on innovation while being pushed to prioritize pronouns and gender identity.

Critics slammed the ad for aligning with right-wing rhetoric, calling it divisive and contrary to Solana's previously stated values of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). The controversy comes as Solana has historically emphasized inclusivity, even enforcing a strict code of conduct at past events prohibiting discrimination based on gender identity.

The incident also raises questions about crypto’s political stance. While the industry has largely supported President Donald Trump due to his pro-crypto policies, it has tried to maintain bipartisan relationships. Some fear the ad could deepen partisan divides, threatening crypto’s broader acceptance.

The Solana Foundation has not issued a statement regarding the ad’s removal or whether it signals a shift in its DEI commitments. However, the backlash highlights the growing intersection of politics and the crypto industry, forcing companies to navigate ideological divides carefully.