Trump’s Crypto Czar Candidate Sees Strategic Value In Establishing A US Bitcoin Reserve

Chris Giancarlo, a leading candidate to head the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and author of the book “Crypto Dad,” recently addressed key aspects of President-elect Donald Trump’s ambitious plans for the crypto sector. 

In an interview with Fox Business, Giancarlo highlighted Trump’s vision of making the United States the global hub for cryptocurrency and discussed the proposed establishment of a strategic Bitcoin reserve.

Major Changes In Crypto Regulation Under Trump

During the interview, Giancarlo noted that the current regulatory landscape for cryptocurrencies is in flux, with significant changes anticipated once Trump assumes office on January 20. 

The former CFTC Chair referenced a speech by Trump earlier this year, which outlined initiatives such as creating a White House crypto council and implementing a Bitcoin reserve. However, Giancarlo cautioned that these initiatives would require substantial groundwork to be realized effectively.

When asked about his discussions with Trump regarding cryptocurrencies, Giancarlo shared that he had frequent conversations during his tenure at the CFTC and Trump’s first term in office. Although he has not spoken to Trump since the election, he believes the former president remains engaged and active in pursuing these crypto initiatives.

A recent private meeting with Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong fueled speculation surrounding Trump’s approach to crypto. Reports suggest that this discussion revolved around strategizing the implementation of Trump’s promises and developing a regulatory framework to facilitate the industry’s growth.

The Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Vision

Giancarlo also addressed the challenges faced by the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) under the leadership of Gary Gensler, who announced his departure during the presidential inauguration. 

Giancarlo criticized Gensler’s tenure, citing issues with talent retention and regulatory overreach, which he believes have hindered the SEC’s effectiveness and innovation within the industry.

Looking ahead, Giancarlo emphasized the importance of appointing a new SEC chair with institutional knowledge and a strong commitment to fostering innovation in the crypto space. He mentioned Paul Atkins, a former SEC commissioner during the George W. Bush administration, as a strong candidate.

A central theme of Giancarlo’s discussion was the strategic Bitcoin reserve, which he believes is critical to Trump’s crypto agenda. He articulated that the new Crypto Czar must collaborate with tax writers to ensure the implementation of promised capital gains tax moratoriums on US crypto holdings. 

In addition, this role would involve drafting executive orders to dismantle regulatory barriers, such as the controversial “Operation Chokepoint 2.0.” aimed at debunking the digital asset industry.

Giancarlo concluded that Trump’s broader vision includes a second industrial revolution, with digital assets at its core alongside technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), nanotechnology, and biotech. 

The former CFTC chair argued that if the US shifts from its recent “resistance to innovation” toward embracing these advancements, it could achieve a growth rate of 4.5% and address the nation’s staggering $36 trillion debt. He praised the concept of a Bitcoin strategic reserve as a forward-looking initiative that aligns with this vision.

At the time of writing, the leading digital asset is trading at $95,760, up 2% in the last 24 hours after briefly falling back to the $91,000 level on Monday. 

Featured image from DALL-E, chart from TradingView.com