Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (RFK), a well-known environmental lawyer and advocate, recently announced his independent bid for the United States presidency. This decision marks a significant departure from his earlier attempt to challenge President Joe Biden in the Democratic primary. While the move has raised eyebrows in political circles, it holds intriguing prospects for the cryptocurrency community, particularly Bitcoin enthusiasts.
Independent Presidential Bid of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
According to CNN, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. just made his pronouncement on Monday in Philadelphia, officially declaring himself an independent candidate for the US presidency. His decision follows weeks of speculation about his political future, including meetings with the Libertarian Party to explore common ground. A super PAC supporting his campaign even conducted a poll, testing Kennedy’s strength in a hypothetical three-way race against incumbent President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump.
Despite the historical challenges faced by independent and third-party candidates in presidential elections, Kennedy expressed optimism about his chances. He boldly declared, “This time, the independent is gonna win.” This optimism sets the stage for a unique and potentially game-changing presidential campaign.
The Crypto Connection
What makes Kennedy’s presidential bid particularly fascinating for the crypto community is his strong advocacy for Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies. According to CNBC, his June 30 financial disclosure report revealed that he holds a substantial amount of Bitcoin, between $100,001 and $250,000. Furthermore, in a late June tweet, RFK emphasized Bitcoin’s importance, describing it as a defense against totalitarianism and government manipulation of currency.
Kennedy’s vocal support for Bitcoin extends beyond social media posts. In an interview with Bitcoin Magazine, he pledged to protect Bitcoin and enable people to retain control over their own wallets.
The environmental lawyer also vowed to end what he termed the “White House war on Bitcoin” and encourage secure transactions. These commitments have resonated with crypto enthusiasts who are increasingly concerned about government regulations and restrictions.
A Shift in Policy Approach
Kennedy’s proposed policy changes towards crypto are noteworthy. He not only promises to protect Bitcoin but also considers classifying it as a currency rather than a commodity, especially for smaller owners.
What sets his approach apart is his intention to implement these changes through control over Treasury policy rather than congressional legislation. He believes that many unfavorable policies towards Bitcoin are driven by White House policies and is determined to end what he calls the “war” on Bitcoin.
Concerns Over Government Influence
Kennedy’s interest in Bitcoin was said to have deepened during the Ottawa truckers’ strike, where he observed government actions that resulted in bank account closures for peaceful protesters. These individuals faced punitive measures without any charges or convictions, leaving them without access to their funds. He recognized the importance of financial freedom and transactional privacy, both of which are essential in a democratic society.
The presidential hopeful expressed concerns about the administration’s trajectory towards central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) and the power they could give governments over individuals’ financial lives. Kennedy stressed the need for a “freedom currency” that remains independent and beyond government control.
Final Thoughts
The stance and remarks of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. signal a potential ally in the fight to preserve the decentralized nature of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. Likewise, his bid for the presidency provides hope for clearer and fairer regulations toward digital assets going forward.
Giancarlo is an economist by profession with a career spanning nearly two decades. His professional journey has seen him assume vital roles in various government and private organizations such as the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), Megaworld Corporation, and the China Banking Corporation in the Republic of the Philippines.
In addition to his civic and corporate pursuits, his forward-thinking approach has led him to manage several prominent websites in the banking and finance sector, notably the Australia-based RateChoice, where he immersed himself in the world of emerging financial technologies and where he found particular interest in Bitcoin all the way back to 2013.
Prior to his addition to Blockzeit’s dynamic team, he held an essential role as Project Manager for initiatives encompassing blockchain, stablecoin, mining, special economic zone development, and iGaming. This noteworthy chapter in his career unfolded under the auspices of InPlan Consultancy Services, Inc., the think-tank of IMPERO Consortium Management Corporation headquartered in Manila, Philippines, and Tokyo, Japan. InPlan, led by a distinguished retired Cabinet member of the Philippines, collaborates directly with IMPERO’s core management team, contributing to strategic planning and business development endeavors.
