Rep. Tom Emmer Slams CBDCs as ‘Inherently Un-American’

U.S. Congressman Tom Emmer has once again voiced his strong opposition to Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs), calling them “inherently un-American” and warning that they pose a threat to financial freedom and privacy. The Minnesota lawmaker, known for his pro-crypto stance, argues that a government-controlled digital currency could lead to increased surveillance and erosion of individual rights.

CBDCs vs. Financial Freedom

Speaking at a recent event, Emmer doubled down on his position that CBDCs could be used as a tool for government overreach, allowing authorities to track and control how people spend their money. Unlike decentralized cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, a CBDC would be issued and regulated by the Federal Reserve, raising concerns about privacy and financial autonomy.

“If not designed to mimic cash, a CBDC could enable the government to track and even restrict transactions—something that goes against the very principles of American financial freedom,” Emmer stated.

Pushing for the ‘CBDC Anti-Surveillance Act’

Emmer has been actively advocating for his CBDC Anti-Surveillance Act, a bill aimed at preventing the Federal Reserve from issuing a digital currency that could be used for mass financial monitoring. The legislation seeks to:

✔️ Ensure that any future CBDC preserves financial privacy
✔️ Prohibit the Fed from issuing digital currency directly to individuals
✔️ Prevent government overreach and transaction censorship

The bill has gained support among conservative and pro-crypto lawmakers but faces opposition from those who argue that a CBDC could help modernize the financial system and strengthen the U.S. dollar’s global dominance.

A Divisive Debate

Emmer’s remarks come at a time when governments worldwide, including China and the European Union, are making significant progress in CBDC development. While proponents argue that CBDCs could improve financial inclusion and efficiency, critics worry they could lead to state-controlled financial systems that restrict individual freedoms.

In the U.S., the Federal Reserve has been researching the potential for a digital dollar but has not yet committed to launching one. Emmer and his supporters believe the risks far outweigh the benefits, particularly if CBDCs become a tool for financial surveillance.

As debates over CBDCs continue, Emmer’s opposition highlights the growing divide between government-backed digital currencies and decentralized cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. Whether his bill gains traction remains to be seen, but his latest remarks suggest that the fight against a U.S. CBDC is far from over.