In the ever-evolving landscape of cryptocurrency, tensions within the Cardano community have flared once again. Charles Hoskinson, the founder of Cardano, has stepped into the spotlight, responding emphatically to accusations regarding his management of treasury funds. A Stake Pool Operator (SPO) recently alleged that Hoskinson misallocated funds to support ventures outside the core Cardano ecosystem, all while the same critic lauded the Cardano Foundation. This contradiction has not gone unnoticed by Hoskinson, who has addressed what he sees as a troubling pattern of inconsistency among certain segments of the community.
In a series of public comments, Hoskinson pointed out the irony of being labeled a villain while critics unabashedly praise the Cardano Foundation. “It’s amusing how I’m the enemy, yet they cheer for the Cardano Foundation,” he remarked sarcastically, highlighting what he perceives as a disconnect in the community’s sentiment.
The SPO’s allegations further claimed that Hoskinson’s actions were causing friction between Input Output Global (IOG), the blockchain’s development arm, and the Cardano Foundation, which has been described as cooperative in its efforts to improve protocol development. However, this narrative has led to mixed responses from the community, with some questioning the Cardano Foundation’s accountability and contributions to the ecosystem.
One community member remarked on how the Cardano Foundation faced little criticism despite its substantial earnings from staked ADA, prompting a wider discussion about its visible contributions to Cardano’s growth. Hoskinson echoed this sentiment, urging for a more balanced evaluation of all parties involved.
Discontent has simmered between IOG and the Cardano Foundation for years, often revolving around treasury fund usage. Earlier in 2025, the Cardano Foundation proposed a significant cut of 31 million ADA from Intersect’s budget, a move that many, including Hoskinson, interpreted as a strategic attack on IOG’s development role within the ecosystem.
Hoskinson and his supporters view this budget cut as a direct attempt to undermine IOG’s contributions, raising concerns about intentional interference from the foundation. In previous statements, Hoskinson has criticized the Cardano Foundation’s board, questioning its unelected status and lack of accountability. Despite these serious allegations, the Cardano Foundation has remained silent on the matter.
As tensions rise, Hoskinson’s frustrations come shortly after an audit cleared him of any wrongdoing related to $600 million in ADA voucher claims. He has called for an apology from the Cardano Foundation and its supporters, asserting that the accusations against him were unfounded. Yet, the foundation’s silence regarding the audit’s outcome has only added fuel to the fire.
This ongoing conflict has led many community members to urge both sides to reconcile their differences for the sake of Cardano’s future. Hoskinson maintains that fair assessment of all contributors, including the Cardano Foundation, is crucial for progress. He emphasizes that constructive discourse is essential for the sustainable evolution of the Cardano ecosystem.
Despite the internal strife, the Cardano Foundation continues its independent initiatives within the ecosystem. As the community grapples with these challenges, the hope remains that unity can be achieved, allowing Cardano to forge ahead in its ambitious journey toward blockchain innovation.
