Influential political commentator Tucker Carlson has long been a vocal supporter of Bitcoin, despite his unconventional belief of its origins. Speaking at a private event at Bitcoin 2024, Carlson humorously suggested that it was none other than the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) that masterminded the creation of this cryptocurrency. He compared the situation to Signal, the widely popular encrypted messaging app, saying the CIA was apparently “first on the scene”.
One of the most persistent mysteries in the world of digital assets is the true identity of Satoshi Nakamoto, the pseudonymous inventor of Bitcoin. While many remain captivated by the question, Carlson sees it as less significant, stating the importance of Bitcoin doesn’t lie in its creator, but in its potential as a transformative technology. Carlson’s belief in Bitcoin’s potential to enable financial autonomy and personal freedom for the average person is a commonly held viewpoint amongst crypto enthusiasts.
Although the CIA has admitted it has multiple projects to monitor cryptocurrencies, there’s no substantial evidence confirming Carlson’s claim about the intelligence agency’s role in creating Bitcoin. Ex-CIA chief Michael Morell has even gone on record saying cryptocurrencies are more useful as tools of surveillance, given their traceable nature. Despite the rumors, most Bitcoin enthusiasts concur that the anonymity of its creator holds little relevance considering the transparency of its coding and ledgers.
Carlson, in agreement with this viewpoint, emphasizes the need for Bitcoin to be more widely accepted as a medium of exchange, not just a store of value. He encourages the crypto world to persuade more people to accept Bitcoin as a payment method and use it privately, without fear of being monitored and penalized. If these barriers can be overcome, Carlson has vowed to go all in on Bitcoin, stating he believes the digital currency holds the key to preserving the values of his own upbringing.