Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, a candidate for the 2024 United States presidential race has made a promise to “protect” Bitcoin (BTC) . Joined by Twitter’s CEO Elon Musk and nearly 520,000 live listeners in a Twitter stream hosted by venture capitalist David Sacks, DeSantis outlined his stance on cryptocurrency .
Defending Bitcoin: DeSantis Challenges Washington’s Desire for Control
DeSantis expressed his support for Bitcoin and stated that if elected president he would ensure the preservation of assets like Bitcoin despite the risks involved . He criticized those in Washington who oppose Bitcoin, attributing their opposition to the lack of control they have over the decentralized currency . DeSantis referred to lawmakers on Capitol Hill as “central planners seeking control over society” and accused them of attempting to regulate Bitcoin out of existence due to its disruptive potential .
Battling the Regulatory Regime: DeSantis Challenges SEC’s Authority Over Cryptocurrencies
The Florida governor also discussed the ongoing jurisdictional battle between the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and cryptocurrencies . He highlighted the SEC’s claims of authority over the crypto space and criticized the bureaucracy’s actions and reminded that Congress has yet to address cryptocurrencies directly . DeSantis argued that the current regulatory regime is biased against Bitcoin and they are inhibiting innovation by forcing individuals to operate within restrictive boundaries .
Anti-Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) Bill: DeSantis Continues to Champion Financial Freedom
DeSantis signed an anti-central bank digital currency (CBDC) bill in Florida that prohibits the use of a federal CBDC as legal tender and banning the use of foreign CBDCs in early May . These actions further demonstrate DeSantis’ commitment to supporting alternative forms of currency and challenging centralized control .
Cryptocurrency Perspectives in the 2024 Presidential Race: Bitcoin Gains Political Relevance
As the 2024 presidential race approaches, with the first GOP preliminary debate scheduled for August, DeSantis is likely to face competition from other candidates including former President Donald Trump . Notably other presidential candidates from both the Democratic and Republican parties have also expressed support for cryptocurrency by recognizing its potential as a symbol of democracy and freedom .