DeSantis Rails Against Fed Controlled Digital Currency

Governor Ron DeSantis (R-FL) has issued a multitude of statements regarding the possible introduction Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) to the United States.

According to the Federal Reserve, a CBDC is “generally defined as a digital liability of a central bank that is widely available to the general public.”

Many concerns about this form of payment, particularly in conjunction with the possibility of attempting to replace cash, come from a place of mistrust that the new system of currency could be abused.

“It is not merely ‘ideal’ that major changes in policy receive specific authorization from Congress; it is constitutionally required. Unaccountable institutions cannot impose a CBDC on Americans. They will tell us that CBDC won’t be abused but we are wise enough to know better. This wolf comes as a wolf,” stated Gov. DeSantis.

Moreover, in a press release, Gov. DeSantis gave an extended statement regarding his thoughts on CBDC.

“The Biden administration’s efforts to inject a Centralized Bank Digital Currency is about surveillance and control,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Today’s announcement will protect Florida consumers and businesses from the reckless adoption of a ‘centralized digital dollar’ which will stifle innovation and promote government-sanctioned surveillance. Florida will not side with economic central planners; we will not adopt policies that threaten personal economic freedom and security.”

Florida’s Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis offered his thoughts on the possible inclusion of the new form of currency into the state of Florida and the United States as a whole.

“Governor DeSantis is ahead of the curve when it comes to protecting individual rights. A Central Bank Digital Currency is the cornerstone of a federal government that could track each and every transaction that happens in the world,” stated Florida CFO Patronis. “There would be no privacy, and if there is no privacy, there are no rights. In the same way Florida is fighting back against the IRS, we need to fight back against this program. It’s how we protect freedom, liberty, and prosperity.”

This position from the DeSantis administration comes at a time in which it is already attempting to push back President Joe Biden (D) and his administration’s ESG platform.