Fri Mar 07 02:12:12 UTC 2025: **Trump Establishes US Government Bitcoin Reserve**
WASHINGTON, D.C. – President Donald Trump signed an executive order Thursday establishing a government reserve of approximately 200,000 bitcoins, assets previously seized in criminal and civil proceedings. This move marks a significant step towards mainstream acceptance of cryptocurrency.
According to David Sacks, Mr. Trump’s “crypto czar,” the bitcoin will be held as a store of value, akin to a “digital Fort Knox.” The order mandates a full accounting of all government-held bitcoin, revealing that roughly 195,000 bitcoins were previously sold for $366 million – a decision Mr. Sacks stated would have yielded approximately $17 billion if held. The executive order also allows the Treasury and Commerce Departments to explore budget-neutral strategies for acquiring additional bitcoin.
Mr. Trump’s shift towards embracing cryptocurrencies contrasts with his previous skepticism. His recent pro-crypto stance is seen as benefiting both the crypto industry and his personal interests, fueled by significant campaign contributions from wealthy crypto players. This executive order fulfills a campaign promise and follows other pro-crypto actions, including reduced SEC enforcement against major crypto companies and the upcoming White House “Crypto Summit.”
While bitcoin’s price remained relatively stable following the announcement, hovering around $86,000, the executive order also creates a separate “U.S. Digital Asset Stockpile” for other seized cryptocurrencies. A subsequent announcement by President Trump expressing interest in adding XRP, Solana, and Cardano to the government’s holdings caused a temporary surge in crypto prices. The move is viewed by some as a potential long-term strategy to address the U.S. national debt.