The Stance on Bitcoin and CBDCs
Florida Governor and 2024 Republican presidential candidate, Ron DeSantis, has expressed his support for the growth and trade of cryptocurrencies. A notable aspect of his public announcement was his opposition to Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs), a standpoint that is likely to resonate with many cryptocurrency enthusiasts.
Speaking about his perspective on Bitcoin, DeSantis stated, “You’ve got every right to do Bitcoin. The only reason these people in Washington don’t like it is because they don’t control it. They’re central planners, and they want to have control over society. So Bitcoin represents a threat to them and so they’re trying to regulate it out of existence.” This stance demonstrates his commitment to the autonomy of digital assets and his resistance to the potential suppression of the industry.
Political Figures Backing Crypto
It’s not just DeSantis voicing support for the cryptocurrency sector. 2024 Democratic presidential candidate, Robert F Kennedy Jr, is also a proponent of the industry. Kennedy Jr. has expressed his defense for the right to self-custody and the right to run a node at home, as well as advocating for industry-neutral regulation of energy.
Kennedy Jr. also expressed a desire to counteract what he sees as the government’s growing hostility towards the industry. This sentiment is shared by many in the crypto world, who feel regulatory bodies such as the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) have adopted an overly harsh stance on the industry.
Cryptocurrency: A Growing Topic in U.S. Politics
Cryptocurrency is increasingly finding its place in the political discourse in the United States. The industry has been making significant strides in getting its voice heard, with companies investing millions in lobbying efforts during last year’s midterm elections.
Among the notable donors are individuals like Sam Bankman-Fried, a well-known crypto insider, and firms such as Skybridge Capital, led by former Trump White House communications director Anthony Scaramucci. Coinbase has also emphasized the importance of political engagement, stating that it aims to recruit 50,000 crypto advocates by year-end.
