Key Takeaways
- Political commentator Tucker Carlson has voiced concerns regarding the privacy implications of digital currencies and their potential for societal control.
- Carlson speculated that the CIA might be behind Bitcoin’s creation, citing the anonymity of its founder, Satoshi Nakamoto.
- He suggested that younger generations are turning to cryptocurrencies due to feelings of exclusion from traditional financial systems.
- The cryptocurrency community has largely dismissed Carlson’s claims, highlighting Bitcoin’s decentralized and open-source nature.
Tucker Carlson on Digital Currency and Control
Political commentator Tucker Carlson recently expressed notable skepticism towards cryptocurrencies during a speech at a Turning Point USA event. He proposed a theory suggesting the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) could be responsible for the creation of Bitcoin, a concept that has circulated within crypto circles without substantial evidence. Carlson characterized digital currencies as potential instruments for totalitarian control, remarks that were met with considerable criticism from the cryptocurrency community.
When questioned about personal investments in Bitcoin, Carlson indicated an appreciation for the concept of financial autonomy. He stated that while he values his privacy, the idea of possessing money that can be used without restriction is appealing.
Carlson has previously shown support for certain figures within the crypto space, notably advocating for the cessation of Roger Ver’s prosecution. A statement attributed to Carlson on the Free Roger Ver campaign’s website read, lawfare isn’t really about taxes. It’s about control. Ver has long challenged both permanent Washington and centralized finance, and they hate him for it. They see him as a threat.
However, his more recent comments underscored a profound concern about the perceived lack of privacy in digital money, suggesting it could pave the way for widespread totalitarian oversight.
💡 Carlson posited that the appeal of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies for younger generations stems from their perceived exclusion from traditional job markets and financial opportunities, viewing crypto as a potential avenue for escape.
Despite this, Carlson voiced apprehensions that cryptocurrencies might devolve into widespread scams controlled by financial beneficiaries. He also expressed concern that politicians could potentially exploit these digital assets for societal control.
Analyzing the ‘Totalitarian Control’ Argument
Carlson’s anxieties regarding totalitarian control echo criticisms often directed at Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs). These are digital forms of national currencies issued and overseen by a state. China is a prominent example of a nation actively developing its CBDC, incorporating strict oversight of its citizens’ financial activities. European and Russian authorities are also advancing their respective digital currencies, the digital euro and digital ruble.
The United States has officially stated it is not pursuing a federal CBDC. The Trump administration notably distanced itself from such initiatives, citing privacy concerns. On January 23, 2025, an act titled Strengthening American leadership in digital financial technology was signed into law, explicitly prohibiting the establishment or use of a CBDC within U.S. jurisdiction. Instead of a government-controlled digital dollar, the U.S. appears to be leaning towards privately issued USD stablecoins.
📍 While public support for citizens’ privacy exists in the U.S., the Treasury Department has initiated efforts to gather data on stablecoin transactions. In August, it sought public input on methods for detecting illicit activities involving digital assets. Some view this as a positive step towards modernizing security protocols for the digital asset era, with Coinbase’s Chief Legal Officer, Paul Grewal, submitting recommendations to the Treasury on improving security practices. However, others interpret the Treasury’s request as a worrying indicator of potential stablecoin surveillance.
While direct evidence linking existing cryptocurrencies to a surveillance tool in the U.S. is absent, Carlson’s concerns about potential government overreach appear to have some basis in the ongoing discussions around digital currencies and stablecoins.
Exploring the CIA and Bitcoin Origin Theory
Carlson further elaborated on his reluctance to invest in crypto, emphasizing his principle of only investing in what he understands. A significant point of confusion for him is the enigmatic identity of Satoshi Nakamoto, Bitcoin’s pseudonymous creator.
“That’s my guess, I can’t prove it, but like you’re telling me to invest in something whose founder is mysterious and has billions of dollars of unused Bitcoin, like what is that? And no one can answer the question, including some of the biggest holders of Bitcoin in the world I do know personally. They’re like “oh, it doesn’t matter.” But it matters to me!”
Carlson’s assertion about the CIA’s involvement in Bitcoin’s creation is not a novel concept; it is widely recognized as one of the oldest conspiracy theories surrounding cryptocurrency.
Some proponents of this theory point to the meanings of the Japanese words Satoshi (implying wise or intelligent) and Nakamoto (meaning central origin) as potential clues alluding to the Central Intelligence Agency. Additionally, some view Bitcoin itself as a surveillance tool, noting its transparent transaction ledger where counterparty names are replaced by alphanumeric identifiers.
The crypto community’s reaction to Carlson’s speech was largely predictable, with many dismissing his concerns. A common sentiment expressed was that Bitcoin’s open-source nature renders the creator’s identity irrelevant, as the CIA would have no control over the network. Others pointed out that various governments, including those adversarial to the U.S., utilize Bitcoin, making the CIA origin theory appear illogical. Many simply ridiculed Carlson’s conjecture.
⚡ In 2011, reports indicate that the CIA allegedly paid $3,000 to Gavin Andersen, an early Bitcoin developer, for a lecture on Bitcoin. Some interpret this event as evidence contradicting the theory of CIA involvement in Bitcoin’s creation.
While no concrete evidence substantiates the claim that the CIA or any other entity invented Bitcoin, the theory itself holds little traction among followers of the cryptocurrency space.
Conclusion
Tucker Carlson’s recent commentary on Bitcoin and digital currencies has sparked a discussion concerning privacy and the potential for governmental oversight. His speculative theory about the CIA’s involvement in Bitcoin’s genesis, while unsubstantiated, taps into existing conspiracy narratives within the crypto community. The prevailing sentiment among cryptocurrency enthusiasts is that Bitcoin’s decentralized and open-source characteristics render such origin theories and concerns about centralized manipulation largely irrelevant.