Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI and a key figure behind the widely-used ChatGPT application, has openly voiced his disappointment and deep concern about the U.S. government’s unfavorable position on Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies. Altman contends that this stance reflects a government’s ambition to exert control over a global currency beyond its traditional jurisdiction.
In a podcast with Joe Rogan, Altman shared his perspective on the crypto landscape, expressing a sense of sadness about the state of the country and raising apprehensions about potential surveillance measures. He strongly opposed central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), fearing that they could empower governments to monitor and curtail individuals’ purchasing power.
“I’m disappointed in what the U.S. government has done recently, but the war on crypto, which I think is a, like, we can’t give this up, we’re going to control [bitcoin and crypto] makes me quite sad about the country,” Altman remarked.
In contrast, Altman expressed excitement about Bitcoin, viewing it as a significant and logical technological advancement toward achieving a global currency independent from any government. Rogan echoed Altman’s optimism, noting that Bitcoin seemed to hold the greatest potential for becoming a universally accepted currency.
The U.S. government faces accusations of imposing stringent regulations and tax rules on Bitcoin and crypto companies, perceived by some as a crackdown on the industry. This regulatory environment has contributed to a slowdown in the momentum of the Bitcoin price following its notable surge in the first half of 2023. The ongoing debate over the role of cryptocurrencies in the financial landscape continues to draw attention and sparks discussions about the balance between innovation and regulatory oversight.
