Former U.S. President and Republican front-runner Donald Trump appears to be softening his stance on bitcoin, a cryptocurrency he previously expressed skepticism towards. During a town hall event in South Carolina ahead of the state’s Republican primary, Trump told Fox News that bitcoin has “taken a life of its own” and may require some regulation.
When asked by Fox News anchor Laura Inghram about whether the U.S. should embrace bitcoin, Trump acknowledged the growing popularity of the digital currency. He stated, “You probably have to do some regulation. But many people are embracing it. More and more I’m seeing people wanting to pay with bitcoin. … I can live with it one way or the other.”
This statement marks a shift from Trump’s previous comments in 2019, when he tweeted that he was “not a fan” of cryptocurrencies, dismissing them as “not money.” Despite his recent remarks indicating a more open attitude towards bitcoin, Trump reiterated his preference for the U.S. dollar, stating, “I always liked one currency … I like the dollar.”
In addition to his comments on bitcoin, Trump also expressed concerns about central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), labeling them as dangerous and vowing not to allow them if elected. This stance aligns with his previous criticisms of CBDCs as potential threats to the traditional financial system.
The evolving position of Donald Trump on bitcoin and cryptocurrencies comes at a time when digital assets are gaining mainstream acceptance and adoption. As more individuals and institutions embrace bitcoin as a form of payment and investment, regulatory frameworks are being developed to address the challenges and opportunities presented by this emerging asset class.
It remains to be seen how Trump’s shifting stance on bitcoin will impact his political platform and potential policies if he were to be elected. With the cryptocurrency market continuing to evolve and attract attention from policymakers and regulators, the debate over the future of digital currencies is likely to remain a key issue in the political landscape.