Donald Trump has signed an executive order establishing an $18 billion U.S. Bitcoin reserve, marking a significant shift in the government’s approach to cryptocurrency. The order, titled Establishment of the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and United States Digital Asset Stockpile, was signed on March 6 and declares that holding Bitcoin gives the U.S. a “strategic advantage” in the global financial system.
According to White House Crypto and AI Czar David Sacks, the government owns approximately 200,000 Bitcoin, acquired through criminal and civil asset forfeiture cases. With Bitcoin currently valued at over $90,000 per coin, this reserve is now worth around $18 billion. The order directs a full audit of federal cryptocurrency holdings, though Sacks admitted that no official review has been conducted before.
In addition to Bitcoin, the order establishes a broader U.S. Digital Asset Stockpile, managed by the Treasury Department, which will oversee other confiscated cryptocurrencies. The government has no immediate plans to sell these assets, stating that they will be kept as a long-term store of value. This move comes ahead of the first-ever White House crypto summit, where industry leaders are meeting to discuss the future of digital assets in the U.S. economy.
Just a few minutes ago, President Trump signed an Executive Order to establish a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve.
— David Sacks (@davidsacks47) March 7, 2025
The Reserve will be capitalized with Bitcoin owned by the federal government that was forfeited as part of criminal or civil asset forfeiture proceedings. This means it…
Trump’s decision signals a major policy shift, as previous administrations have been more hesitant to embrace cryptocurrency. While some see this as a step toward legitimizing Bitcoin, others worry it could lead to increased government control over the digital asset market. The long-term impact of this reserve on both Bitcoin’s value and U.S. financial policy remains to be seen.
