Former President Donald Trump said he would not allow the creation of a central bank digital currency (CBDC) if re-elected in 2024.
The former president delivered his stance on CBDC last night during a campaign stop in Portsmouth, New Hampshire leading up to the state's primary next week. Trump said he promised to protect Americans from "government tyranny" through centralized digital currency.
"I will never allow the creation of a central bank digital currency," Trump said as the New Hampshire crowd erupted with applause. "I didn't know you knew so much ... New Hampshire, very smart people."
Trump appeared surprised the crowd was aware of CBDC.
"Such a currency would give a federal government, our federal government, the absolute control over your money," he added.
"They could take your money," he continued, "you wouldn't even know it was gone."
Trump said the implementation of CBDC would be a "dangerous threat to freedom."
"I will stop it from coming to America," he said.
"We are also going to put in place strong protections to stop banks and regulators from trying to DE-BANK you for your political beliefs," he continued. "That will never happen while I am your President."
During an appearance on Fox News Wednesday afternoon, entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, who recently suspended his presidential campaign and endorsed Trump, told host Jesse Watters he had discussed pardoning imprisoned journalist Julian Assange with the former President along with other policies including opposition to CBDC.
Comedian and podcaster Dave Smith noted Trump would be a "genuine American hero" if he heeded Ramaswamy's warning of implementing CBDC.
Executive producer for The Benny Show Alex Lorusso also commented on Ramaswamy's discussion with Trump about opposing CBDCs.
"Perfect example of how Trump is receptive to good ideas and is willing to put them into action," he wrote in an X post.
After Trump discussed his opposition to CBDC with the New Hampshire crowd, Ramaswamy said he was confident the former President would keep his promise.
Last summer, runner up GOP candidate and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis similarly declared his opposition to implementing a CBDC.
"On day one, central bank digital currency dies in this country," the Florida governor declared, adding he believed it was a "huge" threat to freedom and privacy. "They want to get rid of cash ... get rid of cryptocurrency. And they want this Fed-monitored central bank digital currency."
DeSantis claimed proponents of CBDC, including World Economic Forum (WEF) leaders, are "excited."
"They've said it publicly ... that will allow them to block what they consider to be undesirable purchases like too much fuel ... maybe you're buying too much ammunition," he said, suggesting WEF wanted to implement a social credit system along with central bank digital currencies.
"Cash is king," DeSantis declared. "It gives you independence."
