Trump Establishes U.S. Strategic Bitcoin Reserve in Landmark Move
The reserve, initially holding 200,000 bitcoins seized in criminal cases, signals a significant shift in U.S. policy toward cryptocurrencies.
- President Donald Trump signed a decree on March 6, 2025, creating a national strategic bitcoin reserve, described as a 'digital Fort Knox' by White House advisor David Sacks.
- The reserve will initially consist of approximately 200,000 bitcoins, valued at $17.5 billion, sourced from federal seizures during judicial proceedings.
- No immediate plans for government purchases of additional bitcoins were announced, disappointing market expectations and causing a 5.7% drop in bitcoin's value.
- The reserve is intended to bolster the legitimacy of bitcoin as a 'digital gold' and strengthen U.S. leadership in the cryptocurrency sector.
- Trump, previously critical of cryptocurrencies, shifted his stance during his campaign, which received over $100 million in contributions from the crypto industry.