Economist Saifedean Ammous and George Selgin, director of the Center for Monetary and Financial Alternatives at the Cato Institute, debate whether Bitcoin can replace government-issued money. They discuss the challenges Bitcoin faces, such as competing with an incumbent currency and the safety of transacting with Bitcoin. They also explore the vulnerabilities and challenges of Bitcoin, including hacking and value volatility, and compare Bitcoin's transaction costs to traditional methods. Additionally, they discuss the potential impact of the gold standard and the distinction between medium of exchange and means of payment.

In this engaging conversation, George Selgin, a prominent expert on banking and monetary policy, unpacks the secretive methods banks use to create money. He challenges conventional views on bank operations, exploring how banks fund loans and manage risks. Selgin also discusses the evolution of electronic money and the complexities of the Federal Reserve’s interest rate policies. The talk touches on the implications of innovations like FedNow versus private payment systems, culminating in a humorous reflection on future economic debates.

Donald Trump, a former President and current candidate, alongside RFK Jr., a political figure, and Senator Cynthia Lummis, a Bitcoin advocate, explore the idea of a U.S. Bitcoin reserve. George Selgin from the Cato Institute critiques their differing proposals, highlighting the symbolic nature of Trump's plan. The discussion dives into the risks of government Bitcoin investments and the implications for taxpayers. They compare Bitcoin's volatility to gold's stability, raising questions about prudent use of taxpayer funds in crypto ventures.

George Selgin, a senior fellow at the Cato Institute, dives into the controversial proposals of Donald Trump, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and Senator Cynthia Lummis regarding a U.S. Bitcoin reserve. He explores the symbolic nature of Trump's ideas and the strategic implications of Lummis and RFK's plans. The conversation raises ethical questions about government investment in cryptocurrencies, weighing risks for taxpayers against potential benefits, while also reflecting on the growing political support for Bitcoin in a shifting legislative landscape.

George Selgin, Senior Fellow at Cato Institute, and Professor Emeritus, delves into Fed's post-crisis changes, abundant reserves policy impact, inflation management post-covid, and recommendations on old books in monetary economics.