"CZ: Governments, Embrace Blockchain for Transparent Spending"
Binance co-founder Changpeng Zhao (CZ) has called on governments worldwide to embrace blockchain technology for enhanced public spending transparency. In a recent post on X, CZ proposed that all government spending should be tracked on a blockchain, an immutable public ledger, stating, "Unpopular opinion: All governments should track all their spending on the blockchain — an immutable public ledger. It’s called ‘public spending’ for a reason."
CZ's remarks come amidst growing interest in leveraging blockchain for government accountability, with Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) exploring blockchain applications to monitor U.S. federal spending and curb the nation's growing deficit. The concept of on-chain tracking has gained traction among fiscal conservatives and sound-money advocates, who argue it could revolutionize accountability in public finance.
By utilizing blockchain's transparent and immutable ledger, proponents believe governments can offer real-time visibility into expenditures, reducing opportunities for mismanagement and corruption. The initiative reflects a broader push for fiscal responsibility, particularly as many nations face spiraling debt and inflationary pressures.
The call for blockchain-enabled spending transparency comes against the backdrop of mounting U.S. national debt, which has surpassed $36 trillion. The issue traces back to 1971, when President Richard Nixon ended the gold standard, severing the U.S. dollar’s peg to gold. Over the decades, unrestricted currency printing has significantly diluted the dollar’s value, eroding purchasing power and fueling concerns about structural deficits. In May 2023, a Congressional Budget Office report warned that the U.S. Treasury was at risk of depleting its funds, with annual deficits projected to double within a decade.
Fixed-supply assets like Bitcoin have emerged as a countermeasure to inflation and fiscal opacity. By providing a transparent, decentralized ledger, Bitcoin offers a potential model for financial systems that prioritize accountability.
Interestingly, discussions around blockchain’s role in government spending have reached the highest levels. Former President Donald Trump suggested paying off the national debt using Bitcoin during an August 2024 interview, while asset manager VanEck proposed a Bitcoin strategic reserve could reduce the U.S. debt by 35% over 25 years.
CZ’s call for blockchain adoption extends beyond theoretical appeal—it challenges governments to modernize fiscal governance. As blockchain technology continues to evolve, its potential