Recently, Chainlink co-founder Sergey Nazarov announced that the decentralized oracle network is teaming up with various agencies from the Trump administration following a partnership with the U.S. Department of Commerce. The aim is to integrate more federal functions onto blockchain technology.
Nazarov mentioned that while a specific timeline for these collaborations has yet to be established, he remains optimistic about rapid progress. “The approval processes within these agencies can be unpredictable,” he explained during a video interview with Decrypt. “However, we are definitely advancing towards concrete next steps, particularly concerning data initiatives and cross-chain projects that are currently under discussion.”
He also revealed that Chainlink is in talks with several state governments regarding similar projects but refrained from providing additional details on those discussions.
Chainlink serves as an oracle platform enabling smart contracts—crucial for most cryptocurrency operations—to securely access verified off-chain data and utilize it across multiple blockchains. Currently, its services support over 14 different blockchain ecosystems.
Nazarov acknowledged that some of Chainlink’s initial efforts in government blockchain applications might not seem particularly groundbreaking; for example, the Department of Commerce plans to use Chainlink to incorporate already available public data on GDP and inflation into decentralized finance (DeFi) markets and the wider crypto landscape.
Nonetheless, he emphasized that these initiatives mark just the beginning of a long-term strategy aimed at encouraging greater governmental engagement with cryptocurrency infrastructure in the United States.
“This represents a low-risk and efficient method to initiate their involvement in the blockchain ecosystem,” Nazarov stated. “From my interactions within Washington D.C., I can already foresee many subsequent developments.”
A longer-term ambition involves persuading U.S. authorities to adopt companies like Chainlink for conducting elections via blockchain technology. This could ensure both public data accuracy—as demonstrated by their partnership with the Commerce Department—and maintain internal data integrity—a service which Nazarov noted has garnered significant interest from federal officials.
Nazarov added that oracle networks could also alleviate trust issues arising when conflicting claims are made about events or situations—such as those surrounding U.S presidential elections.
The entrepreneur indicated he has engaged in discussions with various Washington groups about utilizing blockchain systems for identity verification during American elections. He asserted that all necessary technology is ready for implementation; thus, it boils down solely to political willingness.
“It’s not an issue of technology,” he remarked; “it’s fundamentally political.”
The authority over voting logistics primarily lies within state governments; however, President Trump recently claimed his ability to make such decisions independently—such as abolishing mail-in voting practices.
The Trump administration has consistently supported embracing cryptocurrencies across various applications as part of proving Trump’s credentials as America’s first “crypto president.”
Nazarov pointed out identity and privacy concerns represent complex political challenges in America—factors which may hinder widespread acceptance of automated identification verification systems among citizens.
For instance, recent years have seen strong opposition from Republicans against establishing an American central bank digital currency (CBDC), citing fears it would enable government surveillance over civilian transactions.
Additonally, tactics employed by Trump’s administration have sought solutions addressing policy priorities related closely to sensitive topics around identity verification—including aggressive deportation actions by U.S Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). These measures have raised considerable alarm among lawful residents who now feel compelled always carry identification due fear wrongful detainment amidst increasing scrutiny on personal documentation status.
On Monday alone,the Supreme Court ruled ICE retains authority detain civilians based upon controversial criteria including race or language proficiency levels amongst others factors influencing perceived risk assessments carried out enforcement agents nationwide .