Ron DeSantis, the current governor of Florida, has officially announced his candidacy for the 2024 United States presidential race. In a Twitter broadcast moderated by venture capitalist David Sacks and attended by over 520,000 live listeners, DeSantis made a considerable promise to protect Bitcoin, emphasizing the need to preserve the freedom and autonomy of cryptocurrency enthusiasts.
DeSantis boldly declared his commitment to defend the interests of the Bitcoin community as president. He acknowledged the risks associated with the cryptocurrency but emphasized that its users are sophisticated individuals capable of making informed decisions. According to DeSantis, the reluctance of those in Washington to embrace Bitcoin stems from their desire for control, as the decentralized nature of cryptocurrencies challenges their authority.
The governor also highlighted the ongoing jurisdictional battle between the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the crypto industry. DeSantis criticized the SEC’s unilateral actions, stating that since Congress has not addressed cryptocurrencies adequately, regulatory decisions should not be left solely to bureaucratic agencies. He warned that if President Joe Biden were re-elected, the regulatory regime for cryptocurrencies would likely stifle innovation and potentially harm the future of Bitcoin.
DeSantis recently passed an anti-central bank digital currency (CBDC) bill in Florida to reinforce his commitment to digital currency. This legislation prohibits using federal CBDCs as legal tender and restricts the use of foreign CBDCs. By taking this stance, DeSantis demonstrates his unwavering dedication to protecting the sovereignty of cryptocurrency and promoting a decentralized financial ecosystem.
Looking ahead to the 2024 presidential election, DeSantis is anticipated to face off against other contenders, including former president Donald Trump, in the first GOP presidential primary debate. Moreover, the support for Bitcoin is not limited to the Republican Party alone. Democratic hopeful Robert F. Kennedy Jr. hailed Bitcoin as a “symbol of democracy and freedom” during a speech at the Bitcoin 2023 conference, making him the first presidential candidate to accept campaign donations in Bitcoin. Republican candidate Vivek Ramaswamy also joined Kennedy in embracing the cryptocurrency.
With his pledge to protect Bitcoin and his strong stance against centralized control, Ron DeSantis emerges as a compelling presidential candidate for those who value the principles of decentralization, financial autonomy, and individual liberty. As the 2024 election approaches, the future of cryptocurrency regulation remains an important topic of interest for voters.
