The U.S. Congress passed legislation prohibiting the issuance of Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) until 2030, but President Donald Trump has delayed signing the bill. Rather than opposing the legislation outright, Trump appears to be using it as a bargaining chip to pressure Congress into advancing a key Republican initiative, the SAVE America Act.
Earlier, Congress approved the Road to Housing Act, a bill aimed at stabilizing housing prices. While primarily focused on housing issues, this legislation also includes provisions that prohibit the Federal Reserve from issuing CBDCs.
On Wednesday, Trump announced via Truth Social that he would withhold his signature from the Road to Housing Act until Congress passes the SAVE America Act. The latter legislation would require proof of U.S. citizenship for voter registration.
Instead of opposing the housing bill itself, Trump seems to be leveraging it as a political tool to facilitate the passage of the SAVE America Act.
The Road to Housing Act sailed through the Senate on Tuesday with 85 votes in favor and 5 against. On the following day, it cleared the House with 358 votes in favor and 32 against, demonstrating strong bipartisan support.
Under the terms of the bill, the Federal Reserve is barred from directly or indirectly issuing CBDCs or similar digital assets until 2030.
Moreover, even after 2030, the Federal Reserve would be required to obtain explicit congressional approval before introducing CBDCs.