Donald Trump's stance on cryptocurrency has evolved over time. Here’s a brief overview of his views:
1. Initial Criticism (2019): In July 2019, Trump expressed his criticism of cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, through a tweet. He stated that he was "not a fan of Bitcoin and other Cryptocurrencies," citing their volatility and potential use in illegal activities. He also criticized Facebook's Libra project (now known as Diem), suggesting that it would have little standing or dependability.
2. Continued Skepticism (2021): In a June 2021 interview, Trump reiterated his skepticism towards cryptocurrencies, calling Bitcoin a "scam" and emphasizing his preference for the U.S. dollar as the global currency standard. He expressed concerns about cryptocurrencies undermining the value of the dollar.
3. Support for Crypto Regulation (2023): In early 2023, Trump mentioned the need for regulation in the cryptocurrency space. While not showing outright support for cryptocurrencies, he acknowledged the growing role of digital currencies and the importance of having a regulatory framework to manage them.
4. Involvement with NFTs: Despite his earlier criticism of cryptocurrencies, Trump released his own NFT collection in December 2022. This venture into digital assets indicates a more nuanced approach to blockchain technology, differentiating between cryptocurrencies and the broader applications of blockchain, like NFTs.
Overall, while Trump has shown consistent skepticism towards cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, he has engaged with blockchain technology through ventures like NFTs. His primary concerns seem to be related to the volatility and potential regulatory challenges of cryptocurrencies.