Get All Access for $5/mo

Elon Musk Says Government Should 'Do Nothing' on Cryptocurrency The Tesla CEO said Tuesday that the United States government shouldn't regulate the crypto market.

By Entrepreneur Staff Edited by Emily Rella

picture alliance | Getty Images

Tesla CEO Elon Musk said Tuesday that the United States government shouldn't regulate the crypto market.

"It's not possible to, I think, destroy crypto but it is possible for governments to slow down its advancement," Musk said.

He was speaking at the Code Conference, talking to journalist Kara Swisher. His advice to governments, he said, is, "Do nothing."

He also noted he doesn't consider himself "a massive cryptocurrency expert."

Related: How a Series of Elon Musk Tweets Helped Lead Investors to Dogecoin, a Meme-Inspired Cryptocurrency Worth 4 Cents

"I think there's some value in cryptocurrency, but I wouldn't say it's the second coming of the Messiah," he added.

"Massive cryptocurrency expert" or not, Musk's impact on the market is undeniable. Last May, he announced that Tesla would no longer accept bitcoin for payment because of its environmental impact. As a result of his announcement, bitcoin's value took a hit.

Earlier this month, Entrepreneur reported that Dogecoin, a cryptocurrency that started as a joke, increased in value by about 4,600% over the past year. A major factor in that growth was Musk himself, who tweeted about Dogecoin repeatedly.

Musk has been the strongest and most controversial promoter of Dogecoin. Every time the mogul tweets something about the cryptocurrency meme, it increases in value practically instantly.

Still, in May, he advised people to invest with caution. Asked by a TMZ reporter whether Dogecoin "could really be the next cryptocurrency for the world," he responded, "I think it should be the will of the people, you know?"

Entrepreneur Staff

Entrepreneur Staff

Editor

For more than 30 years, Entrepreneur has set the course for success for millions of entrepreneurs and small business owners. We'll teach you the secrets of the winners and give you exactly what you need to lay the groundwork for success.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Editor's Pick

Branding

ChatGPT is Becoming More Human-Like. Here's How The Tool is Getting Smarter at Replicating Your Voice, Brand and Personality.

AI can be instrumental in building your brand and boosting awareness, but the right approach is critical. A custom GPT delivers tailored collateral based on your ethos, personality and unique positioning factors.

Business Ideas

63 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2024

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2024.

Business News

Is the AI Industry Consolidating? Hugging Face CEO Says More AI Entrepreneurs Are Looking to Be Acquired

Clément Delangue, the CEO of Hugging Face, a $4.5 billion startup, says he gets at least 10 acquisition requests a week and it's "increased quite a lot."

Business News

Apple Reportedly Isn't Paying OpenAI to Use ChatGPT in iPhones

The next big iPhone update brings ChatGPT directly to Apple devices.

Growing a Business

He Immigrated to the U.S. and Got a Job at McDonald's — Then His Aversion to Being 'Too Comfortable' Led to a Fast-Growing Company That's Hard to Miss

Voyo Popovic launched his moving and storage company in 2018 — and he's been innovating in the industry ever since.

Business News

Sony Pictures Entertainment Purchases Struggling, Cult-Favorite Movie Theater Chain

Alamo Drafthouse originally emerged from bankruptcy in June 2021.