Popular podcaster and commentator Joe Rogan has strongly criticized the concept of a US central bank digital currency (CBDC), describing a digital dollar as a "game over" scenario for American citizens.
During a recent episode of his highly-watched podcast, the Joe Rogan Experience, Rogan and rapper Post Malone delved into discussions about the US financial system and focused on the potential abuse of power that a CBDC might entail.
Rogan's podcast consistently attracts over 11 million listeners per episode, while Post Malone has a combined following of 31 million on X (formerly known as Twitter) and Instagram. As conversations around CBDCs increasingly find their way into the US presidential campaign, Rogan was unambiguous in His stance on the matter:
"Absolutely not. Never. That's my thought. I think it's checkmate. Game over." Rogan worked on a scenario where authoritarian governments could link the use of CBDCs to an individual's social credit score, allowing them to cut off financial access for rule violations.
"If they decide that a social credit scoring system is necessary for social good, and they outline it, they can monitor your behavior, your tweets, and everything you do... They have you by the balls, and rules are rules," he emphasized.Malone also expressed concerns about the US banking system, noting that FDIC insurance only covers bank accounts up to $250,000. The two also discussed the controversial freezing of bank accounts related to Liberty Convoy truck drivers by the Canadian government in February.
Both Rogan and Malone share views akin to those of ardent supporters of decentralized cryptocurrencies. The discussions on CBDCs have also made their way into the realm of US politics. In July, Republican presidential candidate and Florida governor Ron DeSantis pledged to ban C BDCs in the US if elected president.
On the other side, Democratic candidate Robert Kennedy Jr. criticized CBDCs as instruments of "control" and vowed to back the dollar with tangible assets like Bitcoin if he becomes president.
