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John Deaton, known in crypto circles, has declared his candidacy for a U.S. Senate seat in Massachusetts. He’s not mincing words about his distaste for a U.S. Federal Reserve-issued central bank digital currency (CBDC). In a chat with Generation Infinity, he laid it out—there’s no room in his world for a government-backed CBDC. His biggest gripe? Control. And, according to Deaton, it’s all about the government trying to control how people spend their cash.

“If the government uses a CBDC to reduce friction in banking, that’s one thing. But a Federal Reserve consumer-facing CBDC? That’s a line I won’t let them cross,” Deaton said. The crypto advocate is drawing the line in the sand, and it’s a hill he’s ready to stand on.

Will Deaton and Bitcoin Fans Collide With Elizabeth Warren’s CBDC?

Deaton doesn’t just see the CBDC as a currency issue; it’s a Bitcoin issue too. He claims Senator Elizabeth Warren’s push for a CBDC is all part of a wider plan to shut down self-custody and crypto. She’s been advocating for this Federal Reserve-issued CBDC, which Deaton believes could completely replace cash. This idea doesn’t sit well with him.

Warren’s bill, according to Deaton, is nothing less than a “de facto ban on Bitcoin.” And that’s something the crypto legal heavyweight won’t let fly, no matter how much influence Warren wields. Deaton fears the Federal Reserve’s CBDC could block Bitcoin adoption in the U.S.

Regulatory Shuffle and Term Limits?

Deaton’s Senate bid also focuses on government reform. He’s keen on accountability, and he’s taking shots at long-term incumbents. The longer politicians stay, the more problems they create, in his view. He’s a big proponent of term limits, and he’s especially vocal about how regulators move into cushy private sector jobs right after leaving office.

“You can’t be the SEC chairman on Friday and then Apollo Group’s adviser on Monday. We need statutory gaps,” Deaton stated. He believes the revolving door between regulators and private companies is hurting crypto innovation, and it’s part of the reason why clear regulations remain elusive.