Share this article
Politician Ron Paul: US Government Should 'Stay Out' of Bitcoin
Former U.S. Congressman Ron Paul said this week that he supports cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology.
By Nikhilesh De
Updated Sep 14, 2021, 1:56 p.m. Published Oct 30, 2017, 2:00 a.m.
Make us preferred on Google
Former U.S. lawmaker and presidential candidate Ron Paul doesn't think cryptocurrencies should be considered money, but he's "amazed" by their growth.
In an interview with financial news organization TheStreet last week, Paul put forth a range of views on the subject, stating that while he isn't an expert, he does support the technology insofar as it can help the legalization of alternate currencies in the U.S.
STORY CONTINUES BELOW
Don't miss another story.Subscribe to the Crypto Daybook Americas Newsletter today. See all newsletters
However, while Paul was ambiguous about whether he believes cryptocurrencies will be able to serve as money (noting his preference for gold or precious metals), he was adamant about one point – that the U.S. government's involvement in the oversight of the technology should be limited.
Paul told the news source:
"If people want to use it, the government should stay out of it."
Still, Paul ultimately mentioned two main concerns with cryptocurrencies: the first is the possibility of fraud, and the second being government oversight.
For example, Paul believes there is already too much surveillance on existing currencies and how they are used, and he expressed concern this could be applied to crypto assets.
But despite his uncertainty on some aspects, he does think that blockchain technology "has a lot of future to it," statements that put him in the ranks of politicians to come out in support of the technology.
Notably, Paul's son, Rand, began accepting bitcoin for campaign donations this year, following the practice's approval by election oversight groups.
Ron Paul image via Rich Koele / Shutterstock
More For You
KuCoin captured a record share of centralised exchange volume in 2025, with more than $1.25tn traded as its volumes grew faster than the wider crypto market.
What to know:
- KuCoin recorded over $1.25 trillion in total trading volume in 2025, equivalent to an average of roughly $114 billion per month, marking its strongest year on record.
- This performance translated into an all-time high share of centralised exchange volume, as KuCoin’s activity expanded faster than aggregate CEX volumes, which slowed during periods of lower market volatility.
- Spot and derivatives volumes were evenly split, each exceeding $500 billion for the year, signalling broad-based usage rather than reliance on a single product line.
- Altcoins accounted for the majority of trading activity, reinforcing KuCoin’s role as a primary liquidity venue beyond BTC and ETH at a time when majors saw more muted turnover.
- Even as overall crypto volumes softened mid-year, KuCoin maintained elevated baseline activity, indicating structurally higher user engagement rather than short-lived volume spikes.
More For You
Here’s why bitcoin’s is failing its role as a 'safe haven' versus gold
Bitcoin behaves more like an "ATM" during uncertain times, with investors quickly selling it to raise cash.
What to know:
- During recent geopolitical tensions, Bitcoin lost 6.6% of its value, while gold rose 8.6%, demonstrating bitcoin's vulnerability in times of market stress.
- Bitcoin behaves more like an "ATM" during uncertain times, with investors quickly selling it to raise cash, contrary to its reputation as a stable digital asset.
- Gold remains the preferred hedge for short-term risks, while bitcoin is better suited for long-term monetary and geopolitical uncertainties that unfold over years.
Top Stories
