At a rally in Laconia, New Hampshire, former President Donald Trump has once again voiced his strong opposition to central bank digital currencies (CBDCs). Trump, acknowledging the guidance of crypto-friendly candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, has affirmed his commitment to preventing the establishment of a CBDC in the United States.
In a surprising development, Trump explicitly credited Vivek Ramaswamy for shaping his perspective on CBDCs. Ramaswamy, known for his critical stance on CBDCs, suspended his campaign following a disappointing performance in Iowa. Trump affirmed his dedication to Ramaswamy’s position, declaring,
“Vivek wanted this: I will never allow the creation of a Central Bank Digital Currency.”
Also Read: Donald Trump Opposes U.S. CBDC Creation
Trump’s Concerns on CBDCs
Expressing deep apprehensions about the potential implementation of a CBDC, Donald Trump reiterated his belief that such a currency poses a significant threat to freedom. He argued that a CBDC would grant the federal government absolute control over individuals’ money, allowing them to seize funds without the account holder’s knowledge. Trump’s anti-CBDC sentiment, a consistent theme in his public statements, underscores the importance of safeguarding financial autonomy.
Support from Fellow Republicans
Within the Republican ranks, Trump has garnered support from vocal CBDC critic Florida Governor Ron Desantis, who suspended his campaign and endorsed Trump. Desantis, citing the desires of a majority of Republican primary voters, pledged his support to Trump, strengthening the anti-CBDC sentiment within the party.
Unforeseen Shift in Trump’s Viewpoint
The unexpected nature of Trump’s opposition to CBDCs during the New Hampshire campaign event indicates a significant shift in his stance on cryptocurrencies. The enthusiastic response from the audience suggests that discussions around CBDCs have become a pivotal and evolving aspect of ongoing political discourse.
Cryptocurrency is the 2024 Presidential Race
While digital assets haven’t taken center stage in the 2024 U.S. presidential race, they have consistently appeared as a peripheral topic in discussions among Republican candidates. However, with recent dropouts, including Ramaswamy and Desantis, and Nikki Haley’s apparent lack of focus on crypto, the prominence of digital assets in political discussions may diminish as the elections draw near.
Also Read: Donald Trump Reveals New Mugshot NFTs
As the 2024 presidential race unfolds, Trump’s reaffirmed anti-CBDC stance, influenced by figures like Vivek Ramaswamy, introduces an unexpected dimension to the political landscape. The ongoing discussions surrounding CBDCs and their impact on financial autonomy will likely continue to be a point of interest, shaping the narrative around cryptocurrency in the broader political arena.