Former US President Donald Trump has markedly softened his critical position on cryptocurrencies over recent months. His latest remarks suggest an openness to Bitcoin, emphasizing the potential need for regulatory oversight.

The pivot comes after Trump pledged in January 2024 that he would never allow a central bank digital currency (CBDC) if re-elected. He warned it would provide “absolute control” over citizen’s money to the federal government. 

Yet, when asked about crypto cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin in a February Fox News interview, Trump adopted a more nuanced tone. 

“Frankly, it’s taken a life of its own,” Trump conceded about Bitcoin. “You probably have to do some regulation. But many people are embracing it. More and more I’m seeing people wanting to pay bitcoin. … I can live with it one way or the other.”

He highlighted the digital currency’s swelling mainstream traction after initially dismissing Bitcoin in 2021 as a “scam” competing against the U.S. dollar. Nonetheless, Trump’s comments signal a reckoning with Bitcoin’s momentum and mark a clear pivot from his past antipathy towards the asset class.

While regulation remains anathema to purist Bitcoiners, Trump’s softening opposition could portend growing mainstream political acceptance.

Also read: Donald Trump Launches ‘MugShot’ NFT Collection Amid Legal Challenges