TON Foundation prepares for US expansion amid pro-crypto Trump administration

The TON Foundation, a blockchain initiative linked to Telegram, is gearing up for significant expansion into the United States, according to a Jan. 14 statement .

The strategic shift follows its strong 2024 performance and aligns with a more favorable crypto outlook under President-elect Donald Trump’s incoming administration.

This move marks a pivotal moment for TON , a project that faced intense regulatory scrutiny in 2020 when the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) blocked Telegram’s crypto fundraising efforts. That legal battle led to a settlement and reshaped the project, culminating in the TON Foundation’s launch in Switzerland in 2023.

Since then, the blockchain network has gained traction, primarily through its integration with Telegram’s messaging app , and has emerged as a key player in web3 gaming .

Manuel Stotz, recently appointed as the foundation’s president and board member, will lead this US-focused growth strategy. Stotz brings extensive experience, having guided Kingsway Capital, an investment firm that supports blockchain innovators across emerging markets.

New era

The TON Foundation explained that the changing regulatory environment in the United States offers new opportunities for blockchain technology .

Notably, several industry players are optimistic about the incoming administration’s pro-crypto stance, which includes plans for a national Bitcoin reserve and blockchain-driven economic reforms.

President-elect Trump has also signaled his commitment to advancing the sector by appointing influential figures, such as Paul Atkins and David Sacks , to key positions. These developments are expected to boost innovation in blockchain and artificial intelligence.

Stotz believes these developments could mark a defining moment for the TON Foundation and the broader crypto ecosystem. He envisions the US as a crucial market for accelerating blockchain adoption on a global scale.

He stated:

“TON is uniquely positioned to lead the blockchain revolution. I look forward to working with our partners and stakeholders to accelerate this mission — especially in the dynamic and innovative US market.”