Trump Pushes for No Capital Gains on Bitcoin – What It Means for U.S. Crypto Investors

• Donald Trump has pledged to eliminate capital gains taxes on Bitcoin and U.S.-linked cryptocurrencies.
• Trump’s plan aims to boost U.S.-made cryptocurrencies by removing taxes on them while only taxing American-made tokens.

President-elect Donald Trump has pledged to eliminate capital gains taxes on Bitcoin and U.S.-linked cryptocurrencies. The crypto-friendly plan would encourage the wider use of digital currencies for everyday transactions while bolstering crypto firms based in the United States. 

In his recent interview, Trump recounted a conversation with a friend about the U.S. tax system, leading him to question the fairness of the taxation policy that was being imposed on the digital asset trades.

“They have them paying tax on crypto, and I don’t think that’s right,” Trump said. “Bitcoin is money, and you have to pay capital gains tax if you use it to buy a coffee? I was talking with a friend. He said, ‘It really shouldn’t be taxed,’ and I agree. Maybe we get rid of taxes on crypto and replace it with tariffs.”

Under the present regulations, utilizing Bitcoin to buy a good or service can trigger capital gains taxes if its value has appreciated since it was acquired. The complexity deters anyone from using digital assets for everyday expenses. Trump’s proposal looks toward removing this obstacle and releasing the use of cryptocurrencies in daily commerce.

Trump’s Tax-Free Push for U.S.-Made Cryptocurrencies

Trump’s plan aims to boost U.S.-made cryptocurrencies by removing taxes on them while only taxing American-made tokens. He stated:

No tax on crypto but only on tokens made in the USA. We want tokens made here at home, we don’t want the Chinese tokens. We say get those Chinese tokens out of here.

The move fits into his larger goal of backing American companies and cutting down on foreign digital dependency. That proposal has caught the crypto community’s eye, seen as a possible push for more people and businesses to use U.S.-based cryptocurrencies. Taking away tax barriers could build a stronger local crypto market.

In contrast, Vice President Kamala Harris has advocated for higher long-term capital gains tax rates, proposing an increase to 28% from 20% for individuals earning over $1 million annually. This stance reflects a more cautious approach to cryptocurrency taxation, focusing on generating revenue and addressing income inequality.

Can Tariffs Replace Income Tax in Trump’s Vision?

Individual income tax brings in almost $5 trillion for federal revenue. Trump suggested using higher tariffs to make up for removing income taxes, comparing it to the U.S. economy in the 1890s, when tariffs were a major source of revenue. Economists point out that tariffs now make up only around 2% of federal revenue, meaning huge increases would be needed to cover the tax cuts.

Jason Miller, a senior adviser to Trump’s campaign, acknowledged that eliminating income taxes is an “aspirational goal.” He emphasized that the immediate focus would be on extending provisions of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and implementing targeted tax reductions.