Violet Vallaya
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has caught the attention of many in the cryptocurrency world after he expressed a shift in his stance on Bitcoin during a recent live appearance on CNBC.
During a live appearance on CNBC, Trump stated, “There has been a lot of use of Bitcoin,” marking a significant shift from his previous critical stance on cryptocurrencies. He had previously viewed them as a threat to the U.S. dollar,
Trump clarified that he has not purchased Bitcoin (BTC), but is open to accepting it as a form of payment in certain circumstances. He expressed that cryptocurrencies represent a new and innovative form of currency, referring to them as “crazy new currencies.” Trump also mentioned that he sees potential in accepting various forms of digital currencies, including Bitcoin, as a means of payment.
The statement comes as a stark contrast to Trump’s previous comments on cryptocurrencies. Trump had been a vocal critic, often dismissing them as a threat to the U.S. dollar. However, his latest remarks suggest a more open-minded approach to the digital asset, which has recently seen a surge in popularity and value.
Trump’s comments also shed light on his perspective on cryptocurrencies: “I used to say … I want one currency, I want the dollar. I don’t want people leaving the dollar, and I feel that way, but I will tell you, it [bitcoin] has taken on a life.” He shared anecdotes about the success of his limited-edition sneaker sales, where the use of cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, played a significant role.
The former president’s acknowledgment of Bitcoin’s growing significance reflects the cryptocurrency’s increasing mainstream acceptance. As more institutional investors and major corporations embrace Bitcoin, its role in the global economy is becoming difficult to ignore.
Interestingly, Bitcoin has surpassed the $71,000 mark; the cryptocurrency’s surge in value has solidified its position among major players in the global financial landscape. BTC’s market capitalization now exceeds silver’s, making it the eighth-largest asset with a market cap of $1.409 trillion, according to data from CompaniesMarketCap.
Former Republican presidential candidates Vivek Ramaswamy and Ron DeSantis were strong advocates for cryptocurrency, while independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. also supported its use. On the other hand, the Biden administration has taken a less favorable stance towards crypto.
