The popular podcaster and commentator – Joe Rogan – and the famous musician – Austin Richard Post (better known by his stage name Post Malone) – appear to be against the probable launch of a digital dollar. The former went even further, suggesting that such a financial product would cause a “game over” scenario.

The potential creation of central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) has emerged as a highly controversial topic, with many other prominent individuals arguing against it. Such examples are the presidential candidates Ron DeSantis and Robert F. Kennedy.

‘No Way’

Rogan and his most recent podcast guest Post Malone touched upon numerous interesting subjects during their conversation, including CBDCs. Asked how he would feel if the US government goes forward with that product, Rogan said:

“No f*ucking way. No way. That’s what I think. I think that’s checkmate. That’s game over.”

Post Malone agreed with the comments, adding his name to the lengthy list of people who believe a digital dollar would not bring any economic benefits to American society.

Rogan also suggested that the government could use the CBDC to monitor and control people’s transactions. Post Malone accepted that thesis, maintaining that the authorities are already tracking proceedings since “everything is imprinted and digital.”

The eventual launch of a digital dollar has sparked huge debates over the years, with the opponents of that monetary product viewing its centralized nature as its main disadvantage.

CBDCs have captured the attention of some of the US presidential candidates, including the Republican nominee Ron DeSantis and the Democrat Robert F. Kennedy.

The former recently vowed to throw the digital dollar into the “trash can” once he gets elected as America’s next political leader. Kennedy believes the government could employ the CBDC as an “ultimate mechanism for social surveillance and control.” On the other hand, both men are outspoken advocates of bitcoin, promising to let the asset thrive under their potential administrations. 

Previous Crypto Forays of Rogan and Post Malone

Besides giving his two cents on CBDCs, Rogan has previously touched upon bitcoin. In his view, it has emerged as a “viable form of currency,” while its current status could be compared to the early days of the Internet:

“I think of bitcoin the same way I think about the early Internet.”

Subsequently, he said he has “a lot of hope for cryptocurrencies,” admitting that he is not an expert in the field.

Post Malone has already hopped on the digital asset bandwagon, purchasing a non-fungible token (NFT) part of the Bore Ape Yacht Club (BAYC) in 2021. He also featured his collectible in the video of his song “One Right Now.”

Rogan, on the other hand, is not a fan of NFTs, calling them a cryptocurrency “hustle.” He is amazed at how people spend colossal amounts of money on digital artwork when they can download it for free:

“Here’s my problem, I can have that photo, and I can have it on my phone.”