Ron DeSantis Vows to Halt Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) in the US if Elected President
During his address at the Family Leadership Summit on July 14th, Ron DeSantis, a prominent contender for the United States presidency, reiterated his opposition to the concept of central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) and voiced his commitment to preventing the implementation of a digital dollar within the nation.
Emphasizing his stance, DeSantis firmly declared that if he assumes the role of president, he will promptly enact measures to prohibit the existence of CBDCs in the country. He made this assertion at an event held in Iowa, where six other Republican candidates were also present.
DeSantis has been an outspoken critic of the notion of a digital dollar in the United States. Earlier this year, he successfully passed legislation in Florida that not only disallows the usage of federal CBDCs as legal tender but also forbids the adoption of foreign CBDCs. The rationale behind his actions is rooted in his belief that such digital currencies would facilitate an alarming transfer of power from consumers to a centralized authority.
A central bank digital currency closely resembles traditional fiat currency, but in digital form, offering the added conveniences associated with digital assets. However, it has sparked considerable debate within the cryptocurrency community. Opponents argue that CBDCs pose a threat to individual privacy and could potentially enable unwarranted government control. Conversely, proponents view them as a means to enhance adoption and explore the global potential of blockchain technology.
The CBDC landscape has witnessed substantial growth in recent years, with over 100 countries delving into the subject matter. As of now, at least 39 nations are engaged in CBDC pilots, proof-of-concept initiatives, or related undertakings, as documented by the CBDC database.
While the US Federal Reserve currently has no immediate plans to introduce a digital dollar, the upcoming presidential election may influence the trajectory of the nation’s stance. As more candidates incorporate crypto-related topics into their early campaigns, the landscape might witness changes. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who is vying for the Democratic nomination, has been actively endorsing Bitcoin since May and has disclosed investments of up to $250,000 in the cryptocurrency.
