In a bold move, presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has declared his campaign’s acceptance of Bitcoin donations, making it the first in American history to do so. During his address at the Bitcoin 2023 Conference in Miami, Kennedy highlighted the significance of this decision and presented his vision for a future where cryptocurrencies play a central role.
Kennedy expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “Our campaign will be the first presidential campaign in history to accept Bitcoin donations through the Lightning Network. Today, we take a significant step towards the future, showcasing the power, resilience, and versatility of Bitcoin.”
Furthermore, Kennedy emphasized that if elected as president, he would prioritize protecting the public’s right to hold and utilize Bitcoin, stressing the importance of its inviolability. He stated, “One of my key objectives will be to safeguard the right of individuals to self-custody their Bitcoin and other digital assets. Just as you have ownership of the keys to your car or your wallet, you should have complete control over your private keys.”
Kennedy, who comes from a prominent political lineage as the nephew of President John F. Kennedy and the son of a previous presidential candidate, also touched upon the issue of home-based Bitcoin mining. He voiced his opposition to the government’s imposition of a 30% tax on electricity in relation to mining activities, highlighting his belief in fostering an environment that encourages and supports decentralized mining operations.
Moreover, Kennedy emphasized the importance of maintaining privacy rights in the digital realm. He expressed his stance against any government attempts to access individuals’ Bitcoin keys or passwords, arguing that yielding ground on this issue would only serve to expand the surveillance state. Protecting personal liberties and maintaining digital privacy are paramount in his proposed leadership.
As of the time of writing, Bitcoin was valued at $26,896, reflecting a 1% decrease over the past seven days. Kennedy’s embrace of Bitcoin and his commitment to upholding crypto rights showcase his determination to harness the potential of digital currencies for the benefit of individuals and the nation as a whole.
