Economist Says Bitcoin Is A Threat, But The Target Is Not Who You Think

bitcoinistPublished on 2026-02-16Last updated on 2026-02-16

Abstract

Economist Peter Schiff criticizes Bitcoin, claiming it is a threat not to the global financial system but to investors who buy it. He argues Bitcoin lacks intrinsic value, comparing it to a Ponzi scheme, and advocates for gold and silver as superior inflation hedges. In response, crypto commentator Jeff Swanson contends that continued criticism from gold proponents signals Bitcoin's relevance and potential challenge to gold's monetary role. While Schiff predicts Bitcoin could fall to $10,000, Swanson acknowledges gold's persistence but expects it to gradually lose ground to Bitcoin over time.

Bitcoin (BTC) skeptic and chief economist Peter Schiff has launched a new attack on the world’s largest cryptocurrency. This time, Schiff argues that BTC is not a threat to the global financial system but rather to those who invest in it. His latest negative remark comes after years of relentless criticism of BTC and continuous advocacy for gold and precious metals.

Schiff Labels Bitcoin A Threat To Investors

In an X post on February 14, Schiff issued a fresh critique of Bitcoin, adding to his long history of negative remarks about the leading cryptocurrency. The chief economist claimed that “Bitcoin is only a threat to those who buy it.” His latest remarks came in response to crypto commentator Jeff Swanson, who had mocked gold enthusiasts for obsessively tweeting about Bitcoin despite calling it irrelevant.

Swanson’s statements were also a response to a post by ‘Nostra, House of gold,’ another economist on X, who said that if BTC falls to $60,000, it could become a liquidity trigger.

Schiff’s recent jab at Bitcoin fits his long-standing narrative that the cryptocurrency lacks real value and mainly puts buyers at risk. He has often argued against the idea that Bitcoin is a digital version of gold, suggesting that, unlike gold, which he sees as a real store of value, BTC is a speculative asset with no physical use and likening it to a Ponzi scheme.

Interestingly, Swanson fired back at Schiff’s claims that BTC poses a threat to holders. He noted that the very fact that gold enthusiasts continue to discuss and criticize Bitcoin shows that it matters. He also stated that their strong reactions to BTC indicate they recognize it as a potential challenge to gold’s role as money.

Swanson highlighted that if BTC were truly a useless asset with a negligible market share or a currency destined to collapse, it would largely be ignored. Yet critics continue to debate and discuss it. While the crypto commentator admitted that he does not foresee gold ever going to zero, he predicted that it will steadily lose ground to Bitcoin over the coming decades.

Schiff Continues His Gold Advocacy Over Bitcoin

As much as Schiff opposes Bitcoin, he is equally, if not more, enthusiastic about gold and other precious metals. In a recent post, the economist said that BTC is gradually approaching the $70,000 mark, emphasizing the cryptocurrency’s continuous decline over the past weeks to levels not seen since 2024.

As an alternative to the flagship cryptocurrency asset, Schiff has encouraged investors to buy gold or silver as a hedge against inflation. He often characterizes BTC as an unreliable asset that he believes will eventually fall to zero in the coming years. His latest long-term forecast for the leading cryptocurrency suggests it might crash to $10,000 and find support there.

BTC trading at $68,719 on the 1D chart | Source: BTCUSDT on Tradingview.com

Related Questions

QAccording to Peter Schiff, who is Bitcoin a threat to?

APeter Schiff claims that Bitcoin is a threat to those who buy it, not to the global financial system.

QWhat asset does Peter Schiff consistently advocate for as an alternative to Bitcoin?

APeter Schiff consistently advocates for gold and other precious metals as an alternative to Bitcoin.

QHow did Jeff Swanson counter Schiff's argument that Bitcoin is a threat to its holders?

AJeff Swanson countered that the fact gold enthusiasts continue to discuss and criticize Bitcoin shows it matters and is a potential challenge to gold's role as money.

QWhat did Schiff liken Bitcoin to in his criticism?

ASchiff has likened Bitcoin to a Ponzi scheme, arguing it is a speculative asset with no physical use or real value.

QWhat is Schiff's latest long-term price forecast for Bitcoin?

ASchiff's latest long-term forecast suggests Bitcoin might crash to $10,000 and find support there.

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363 Total ViewsPublished 2025.05.13Updated 2025.05.13

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