U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent Says Trump Administration Will Not Launch a CBDC

According to Scott Bessent, the Trump administration opposes a U.S. CBDC and wants lawmakers to move ahead with legislation that would place digital asset activity under a clearer regulatory framework.

Summary

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent reaffirmed that the Trump administration will not support launching a CBDC, maintaining its opposition to a government-issued digital dollar. In remarks delivered during a White House event, Bessent also urged lawmakers to advance legislation aimed at bringing digital asset activity under a clearer regulatory framework. The existing legislative backdrop remains that a House-passed bill would temporarily bar a Federal Reserve CBDC until December 2030, but the measure has not cleared the Senate. Some House Republicans have argued that the sunset clause could leave room for future CBDC exploration after the ban expires.

Terms & Concepts
  • CBDC: A central bank digital currency is a digital form of sovereign money issued and backed by a country’s central bank.
  • Federal Reserve: The central bank of the United States, responsible for monetary policy, banking oversight, and the nation’s payment system.
  • Digital asset: A broad term for blockchain-based or digitally represented assets, including cryptocurrencies and related financial products.