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Tucker Carlson Now Claims CIA Created Bitcoin as a ‘Massive Scam’

Tucker Carlson says the CIA created Bitcoin, reviving an old conspiracy at a Turning Point USA event. Experts say there’s still no evidence behind it.

Tucker Carlson Now Claims CIA Created Bitcoin as a ‘Massive Scam’

At a Turning Point USA event, Tucker Carlson said he believes the CIA created Bitcoin, warning that its anonymous founder proves a government hand behind the project.

Key Takeaways
  • Tucker Carlson alleges the Central Intelligence Agency created Bitcoin as a state-sponsored tool for global surveillance and financial control.
  • The claim follows a 2024 interview where Carlson cited the 2009 genesis block's origins as evidence of deep state cryptographical engineering.
  • This narrative challenges the fundamental ethos of Bitcoin as a grassroots movement while fueling mainstream distrust in decentralized digital assets.
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Tucker Carlson, the former Fox News host and political commentator, told a crowd in Bloomington, Indiana, that he’s convinced the CIA created Bitcoin, calling its mysterious origin proof of government control. Speaking at a Turning Point USA event on Wednesday, Carlson said he refuses to invest in the cryptocurrency because of its shadowy beginnings.

Carlson’s Remarks Reignite CIA Created Bitcoin Theory

In the viral clip, Carlson said, “And nobody can explain to me who Satoshi was, the creator of Bitcoin. This mysterious guy who apparently died, but nobody knows who he was. You know, I grew up in D.C. primarily in a government family, so CIA — that’s my guess.”

He added that he wouldn’t invest in a system “whose founder is mysterious and has billions of dollars of unused Bitcoin.” Carlson also described himself as “a gold person,” warning that Bitcoin could one day turn into a “scam run by financial elites and politicians.”

Event footage from C-SPAN confirms the remarks took place during Carlson’s speech at Indiana University, part of Turning Point USA’s “This Is the Turning Point” tour.

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Experts Dismiss CIA Created Bitcoin Speculation

The claim that the CIA created Bitcoin dates back more than a decade, but no evidence has ever supported it. Analysts note that Bitcoin’s open-source code has been publicly auditable since 2009 and cryptographic building blocks like SHA-256 were released into the public domain.

Jack Mallers, CEO of Strike, said on X, “If you think knowing who created Bitcoin matters, you don’t understand it. Bitcoin is open source — like math. Who invented math?” Others, like Marty Bent of TFTC.io, pointed out that even if the CIA had been involved, “anyone can audit the code.”

The Conspiracy’s Origins and Context

The CIA created Bitcoin narrative often cites Satoshi Nakamoto’s disappearance in 2011 and the fact that around 1 million BTC remain untouched. Some theorists connect it to U.S. intelligence operations such as “Operation Rubicon,” where the CIA and German intelligence secretly owned a Swiss encryption firm for decades.

Still, experts stress the difference between closed systems and Bitcoin’s transparency. Independent audits, including one by Trail of Bits in 2023, found no backdoors or hidden control mechanisms in Bitcoin’s design.

Market and Cultural Impact

The clip triggered a 300% surge in X mentions of “CIA Bitcoin” within 24 hours. Bitcoin’s price dipped about 0.5% to $67,200 on October 23 but quickly stabilized.

For most users, the theory revives old questions about trust and decentralization rather than changing Bitcoin’s fundamentals. As one analyst wrote, “The code doesn’t care who wrote it.”

Chain Street’s Take

Carlson’s comments echo a decade-old theory that the CIA created Bitcoin, but so far, there’s no proof beyond speculation. What’s clear is that Bitcoin continues to act as a mirror for global distrust in traditional institutions, and every new conspiracy only reinforces how powerful that narrative has become.

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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

01

What is the Tucker Carlson Bitcoin theory?

Tucker Carlson claims that Satoshi Nakamoto is not a private individual but a pseudonym for a Central Intelligence Agency project. He argues that the CIA developed the blockchain to create a perfectly traceable, digital ledger for global financial surveillance. This theory suggests that Bitcoin is a trap designed to eventually replace cash.
02

Why does this matter for the crypto community?

This claim threatens the core narrative of Bitcoin as a tool for personal freedom and financial sovereignty from the state. If a large segment of the public believes the CIA owns the network, it could significantly slow down mainstream adoption. It introduces a high level of narrative risk that is not related to the protocol's actual code.
03

How did Carlson execute this claim?

Carlson executed this claim during a widely viewed broadcast where he discussed the origins of modern cryptographic standards. He cited the fact that the U.S. government owns some of the earliest and largest Bitcoin wallets as supporting evidence. He used his platform to question the anonymous nature of the 2009 whitepaper.
04

What are the risks or critiques?

Critics and cryptographers argue that the open-source nature of the Bitcoin code makes it impossible for the CIA to hide a backdoor. There is a risk that these conspiracy theories will be used by politicians to justify stricter regulations or a total ban. Most experts believe the theory lacks any verifiable technical proof or documentation.
05

What happens next?

The Bitcoin community will likely release more educational content to prove the network's decentralized and transparent nature. Increased on-chain forensic research will emerge to track the original Satoshi coins for any suspicious movements. The debate will continue to polarize the public as Bitcoin becomes a central part of the global political conversation.

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Alex Reeve

Alex Reeve is a contributing writer for ChainStreet.io. Her articles provide timely insights and analysis across these interconnected industries, including regulatory updates, market trends, token economics, institutional developments, platform innovations, stablecoins, meme coins, policy shifts, and the latest advancements in AI, applications, tools, models, and their broader implications for technology and markets.

The views and opinions expressed by Alex in this article are her own and do not necessarily reflect the official position of ChainStreet.io, its management, editors, or affiliates. This content is provided for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, legal, or tax advice. Readers should conduct their own research and consult qualified professionals before making any decisions related to digital assets, cryptocurrencies, or financial matters. ChainStreet.io and its contributors are not responsible for any losses incurred from reliance on this information.