In a bold and unprecedented proposal, independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has announced his intention to put the entire U.S. federal budget on the blockchain if elected. This move, he argues, would usher in a new era of transparency and accountability in government spending, empowering every American citizen to scrutinize how their tax dollars are being utilized.
Speaking at a rally in Michigan on Sunday, Kennedy outlined his vision for leveraging blockchain technology to revolutionize the way the government’s finances are managed and reported. “I’m going to put the entire U.S. budget on blockchain so that any American — every American can look at every budget item in the entire budget anytime they want, 24 hours a day,” he declared.
The blockchain, typically associated with cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, is a decentralized and immutable digital ledger that records transactions in a secure and transparent manner. By placing the federal budget on this technology, Kennedy aims to create a public accounting system that would theoretically allow for real-time monitoring and auditing of government expenditures.
“We’re gonna have 300 million eyeballs on our budget, and if somebody is spending $16,000 for a toilet seat, everybody’s gonna know about it,” Kennedy quipped, referencing past scandals involving exorbitant spending on seemingly mundane items by government agencies.
While Kennedy’s proposal is undoubtedly ambitious and would face significant logistical and technical challenges, it aligns with his broader embrace of digital assets and blockchain technology. The independent candidate has been a vocal proponent of cryptocurrencies, accepting campaign donations in Bitcoin and vowing to back the U.S. dollar with the world’s largest cryptocurrency if elected.
However, Kennedy’s stance on blockchain-based finance diverges from his opposition to central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), which are currently being explored by the Federal Reserve and other central banks around the world. Many Republicans, including former President Donald Trump, have rallied against the creation of a CBDC, citing concerns over privacy and government overreach.
Despite facing an uphill battle in a presidential race dominated by the rematch between Trump and incumbent President Joe Biden, Kennedy’s blockchain-centric proposal has garnered attention from crypto advocates. Stand With Crypto, a nonprofit organization championing clear regulations for the crypto industry, has rated Kennedy as “strongly supportive of crypto,” in contrast to Trump’s “supportive” rating and Biden’s “against” stance.
As the debate surrounding the role of blockchain and digital assets in finance and governance continues to unfold, Kennedy’s bold proposal to put the U.S. budget on the blockchain represents a novel and disruptive approach. Whether it gains traction or not, it highlights the growing interest in leveraging emerging technologies to enhance transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement in the management of public resources.
