April 22 (UPI) – Robert F. Kennedy Jr., an independent presidential candidate, has proposed a groundbreaking initiative to enhance government transparency and combat corruption by utilizing blockchain technology to showcase the nation’s budget. Speaking at a rally in Michigan, Kennedy expressed his vision of placing the entire U.S. budget on the blockchain, enabling every American citizen unrestricted access to scrutinize all budgetary allocations around the clock.
By integrating the U.S. budget into a blockchain ledger linked to cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, taxpayers would gain unprecedented visibility into government expenditures. This move aims to leverage the power of blockchain to promote fiscal accountability. Kennedy emphasized the significance of this approach, stating that with “300 million eyeballs on our budget,” any exorbitant spending, such as the infamous $16,000 toilet seat purchases by the Pentagon, would be promptly exposed to public scrutiny.
Having recently secured a spot on Michigan’s 2024 presidential ballot, the 70-year-old environmental lawyer, known for his anti-vaccine stance, has also qualified in Hawaii and Utah. Additionally, Kennedy’s campaign has amassed adequate signatures for ballot access in several other states, including North Carolina, New Hampshire, Nevada, Nebraska, Idaho, and Iowa.
Transitioning from a Democratic to an Independent candidate, Kennedy selected Nicole Shanahan, a California entrepreneur and lawyer, as his vice presidential running mate. Shanahan’s alignment with Kennedy on issues such as challenging big tech and combating government-led “information warfare” resonates with the core principles of their campaign.
In a notable departure from traditional political endorsements, Kennedy has publicly embraced Bitcoin and has been accepting campaign contributions in the form of the cryptocurrency. Should he win the presidency, Kennedy has outlined plans to support the U.S. dollar with Bitcoin and oppose Federal Reserve initiatives towards a central bank digital currency, citing concerns over privacy and fundamental rights implications.