Former President Donald Trump has noticeably changed his tone on Bitcoin over recent years.
During his presidency, Trump denounced the cryptocurrency as a “scam” and reportedly instructed treasury officials to “go after” Bitcoin.
Now, in the run-up to his 2024 campaign, Trump says he “can live with” Bitcoin and recognizes its accelerating adoption.
TLDR
- Former President Trump now says he “can live with” Bitcoin, acknowledging its growing adoption for payments.
- This contrasts with his past stances calling Bitcoin a “scam” and vowing to “go after” it while he was president.
- Some believe Trump’s changed stance is a political tactic to appeal to crypto-focused voters for the 2024 election.
- Trump floated some Bitcoin regulation may be needed but didn’t elaborate on what specifically.
- Trump remains opposed to central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), citing privacy concerns and risks of government overreach.
In a February 2023 Fox News interview, Trump responded to a question about countering Chinese digital currency dominance by acknowledging Bitcoin’s momentum.
Though still claiming to prefer the U.S. dollar, Trump admitted that “many people are doing it (Bitcoin)” and that he’s seeing growing desire to pay in the cryptocurrency. His newfound openness contrasts with administrative hostility previously.
Donald Trump was asked about #bitcoin pic.twitter.com/bLA8TMMy5g
— Pledditor (@Pledditor) February 23, 2024
Some speculate the reversals are politically calculated, noting cryptocurrency and blockchain technology’s popularity especially among younger conservative voters.
The suggestions highlight a pattern with politicians temporarily shifting positions to attract key demographics. Just as candidates play down progressive policies in primaries only to pivot in the general election, Trump may reframe Bitcoin before different crowds.
Nonetheless, directionally Trump appears to recognize the reality of expanding cryptocurrency use that can’t be simply regulated away or banned outright.
His latest remarks included saying Bitcoin has “taken a life of its own” and conceding “you probably have to do some regulation.” Though lacking specifics, the deferential tone signals a rhetorical distancing from the outright hostility of his White House tenure.
At the same time, Trump maintains fervent opposition to central bank digital currencies over risks of government overreach infringing on financial freedoms.
Political analysts contend Trump’s anti-establishment positioning could foster a more innovation-friendly crypto policy environment if elected again.
Appointing regulators deferential to business interests rather than bent on rigid enforcement could relieve regulatory pressures on the asset class.
Of course, Trump is known for abrupt reversals and inconsistencies across issues. The flirtations with accepting Bitcoin could swiftly swing back to casting digital assets as direct threats should politically expedient.
Nonetheless, the softening rhetoric tracks with a warming posture from formerly crypto-skeptic Republican lawmakers now courtside in lobbying dollars.
Once the party of hard currency, increased openness to blockchain-based innovation parallels shifting economic incentives.
