With all the commotion surrounding Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, and Donald Trump, you might almost forget that there’s another presidential candidate in the race: independent Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Although his chances of becoming president are slim, he is known as a strong advocate of Bitcoin. And yesterday he emphasized his stance during the annual Bitcoin Conference in Nashville, Bitcoin 2024.
Kennedy Jr.’s Statements
“I am a big supporter of Bitcoin. Most of my wealth is in Bitcoin,” Kennedy Jr. declared during his campaign, something he reiterated at Bitcoin 2024, saying “I put most of my wealth into Bitcoin. I am fully committed.” Although his chances of winning the presidency are low, this stance has increased his popularity among crypto enthusiasts.
The libertarian Kennedy Jr. also sharply criticized the U.S. Federal Reserve, accusing it of protecting bankers instead of the people.
“The relationship between Congress and the Fed is both parasitic for our country and symbiotic. The Fed is not a public institution; its decision-makers are appointed by the banking sector.”
He addded: “Six months before his assassination, President John F. Kennedy signed an executive order that put silver coins in competition with the notes issued by the Fed…his intention was to rein in Fed discretion.”
Known for his controversial statements, Kennedy Jr. also spoke about the Covid pandemic and the lockdowns.
“The lockdowns shut down all small businesses in this country, which we should cherish, and kept the Walmarts, Amazons, Facebook, the oil industry, the processed food industry, and agricultural companies open. They all thrived during that period,” he said.
Crypto and American Politics
Although sometimes labeled a ‘conspiracy theorist,’ his statements resonate with those who think more freely. Kennedy Jr. believes that as president, he would address some structural problems, with crypto playing a key role. During his speech in Nashville he said he will sign an executive order for the US to buy 550 Bitcoin per day to build a reserve of 4 million BTC, if elected president.
Earlier this year, he had emphasized the importance of crypto and blockchain technology:
“We need sovereignty over our own wallets, transaction freedom, and a transparent currency. We must ensure that America remains the center of blockchain technology.”
In addition to Kennedy Jr., Donald Trump will also be giving a speech during the Bitcoin Conference, later today. Looking ahead to that, RFK Jr said: “I understand that tomorrow President Trump may announce his plan to authorize the US government to buy a million Bitcoin as a strategic reserve asset, and I applaud that announcement.”
Trump, who was critical of crypto a few years ago and called it ‘nonsense’ and ‘hot air,’ has since become a supporter of this technology.