Florida Governor DeSantis opposes CBDCs

During an event in Jacksonville, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis reiterated his opposition to central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) and “woke politics.” In March, DeSantis proposed legislation banning CBDCs in the state, and during Tuesday’s event, he affirmed that Florida would maintain a “prohibition against” CBDCs if the U.S. Federal Reserve or Treasury moved to establish one.

Fighting environmental social governance standards

During his visit, DeSantis signed a bill that combats the U.S. government’s environmental social governance (ESG) standards, arguing that they do not represent the interests of average Floridians or Americans. The legislation prevents Florida’s state funds from being used for ESG standards and investments.

“We recognize the dangers of this agenda. It’s not your agenda; it’s not the agenda of the average Floridian or American. This is an elite-imposed agenda.”

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis

Cryptocurrency control concerns

The Florida governor expressed his concerns about the potential dangers of CBDCs, suggesting that the government aims to replace other cryptocurrencies with a centrally controlled digital currency. Also, DeSantis is not alone in his criticism. Other Republican officials, including Minnesota Congressman Tom Emmer, Texas Senator Ted Cruz, and Georgia Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, have also voiced concerns about CBDCs.

DeSantis emphasized Florida’s stance against CBDCs, pledging that the state would not accept them to preserve financial independence and prevent a financial surveillance state. He stated, “If the Fed or the Treasury tries to do it unilaterally – in Florida, we [will] have a prohibition against that.”