CBDC anti-surveillance act gains momentum with 75 co-sponsors, supported by Emmer and Trump

Representative Tom Emmer joins former President Donald Trump in opposing Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) over concerns about financial privacy and government surveillance.

In a united front against what they perceive as an encroachment on financial privacy and an expansion of government surveillance, United States Representative Tom Emmer and former President Donald Trump have publicly expressed their opposition to Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs). 

The duo’s concerns were echoed by Emmer on January 19 via social media platform X (formerly Twitter), aligning with Trump’s reservations about the potential implications of CBDCs for personal financial privacy.

Trump’s strong stance against CBDCs

Former President Donald Trump made his vehement opposition to CBDCs clear during a campaign speech in New Hampshire where he pledged to prevent the U.S. Federal Reserve from introducing a CBDC if reelected as President. 

Trump’s concerns primarily revolve around the risks of de-banking and the potential misuse of the currency by political actors, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding financial privacy for all Americans.

Emmer’s commitment to anti-surveillance legislation

Representative Tom Emmer, who currently serves as the majority whip of the U.S. House of Representatives, has voiced his commitment to collaborating with Donald Trump in their shared mission to combat what they view as an expanding surveillance state. 

Emmer has taken a proactive stance on this issue, introducing the CBDC Anti-Surveillance State Act, which has garnered support from 75 co-sponsors.

The proposed legislation aims to serve as a vital safeguard against government surveillance of individuals’ financial transactions, reflecting Emmer’s dedication to protecting the privacy rights of American citizens in the digital age.

Emmer and Trump’s unified stance against CBDCs is not limited to the federal level. Several states, including Utah, South Carolina, South Dakota, and Tennessee, have taken steps to challenge the development of CBDCs within their borders. 

Bills have been filed in these states explicitly excluding CBDCs from the definition of money, potentially creating significant obstacles to their implementation.

Trump’s NFT ventures

Former President Donald Trump has entered the world of non-fungible tokens (NFTs) with a collection that has generated significant attention. Trump’s NFT collection includes 1,075 Ether in earnings so far, with his latest offering featuring his infamous mugshot from August 2023 when he surrendered himself to authorities in Georgia. 

The foray into NFTs showcases Trump’s engagement with emerging digital technologies, even as he remains committed to opposing the proliferation of CBDCs.

The implications of the anti-CBDC movement

The growing opposition to CBDCs, both at the federal and state levels, raises important questions about the future of digital currencies in the United States. While proponents argue that CBDCs could offer greater efficiency and security in financial transactions, opponents like Emmer and Trump contend that these benefits come at the cost of sacrificing personal financial privacy.

The debate surrounding CBDCs highlights the delicate balance between technological advancement and individual liberties, with potential implications for the financial landscape and personal freedoms in the digital era.