Republican Presidential candidate Ron DeSantis has made a bold declaration that, if elected, he will immediately put an end to the development of central bank digital currency (CBDC). DeSantis argues that a CBDC poses a significant threat to American liberty and should have no place in the country. This article explores DeSantis’ stance on CBDCs, the Federal Reserve’s position, and the concerns surrounding the World Economic Forum’s plans.
In an interview with Blaze Media, DeSantis firmly expressed his opposition to CBDCs, asserting that they would not be tolerated under his presidency. He believes that a CBDC would infringe upon American liberty and plans to consign the idea to the history books if he assumes office in 2025. DeSantis’ stance aligns with a 2022 report by the Federal Reserve, which also raises concerns about the implications of a CBDC.
The Federal Reserve’s stance on CBDCs remains neutral. While the 2022 report acknowledges the potential advantages and disadvantages of CBDCs, it does not advocate for any specific policy or take a definitive stance on their desirability. The Federal Reserve’s FAQ page reveals that a decision on whether to create a CBDC is still pending. Therefore, DeSantis’ opposition to CBDCs reflects his personal viewpoint rather than an official Federal Reserve position.
DeSantis held confidence that state-level restrictions would impede the introduction of CBDCs and could potentially prompt legal action if the Federal Reserve attempts to proceed. As the governor of Florida, DeSantis highlighted that the state has already banned CBDCs, rendering them as illegal forms of currency. He believes that other states will follow suit and implement similar bans, further complicating the introduction of CBDCs.
DeSantis expressed concerns about the World Economic Forum (WEF) and its plans to eliminate cash and cryptocurrencies, effectively restricting certain purchases through the use of CBDCs. These concerns were influenced by remarks made by Cornell University professor, Eswar Prasad, during a WEF event. However, it is important to note that Prasad does not hold an official position within the WEF. Prasad highlighted the potential for CBDCs to create a darker world, citing pornography, ammunition, and drugs as potential items that could be banned through CBDCs.
Critics argue that the approach taken by countries developing CBDCs contradicts the principles of decentralization embraced by cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. Many countries implementing CBDCs have put measures in place to restrict illegal purchases and track transactions, similar to existing regulations for financial transactions. This regulatory approach is at odds with the goal of decentralization, as it introduces more control and oversight into the financial system.
Ron DeSantis, a Republican Presidential candidate, promises to halt the development of CBDCs if he is elected as president. He argues that state-level restrictions and bans will prevent the Federal Reserve from introducing a CBDC, and he anticipates that other states will follow Florida’s lead. DeSantis also expresses concerns about the World Economic Forum’s plans to eliminate cash and cryptocurrencies, as this could result in restrictions on certain purchases. However, critics argue that the regulatory nature of CBDCs contradicts the principles of decentralization embraced by cryptocurrencies. As the future unfolds, the fate of CBDCs remains uncertain, and the debate between centralized control and decentralized financial systems continues to evolve.
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