CNBC: Could the US Government Hold Bitcoin as a Reserve Currency Under Trump?
Is Bitcoin about to become a US government reserve currency? The speculation is heating up, fueled by hints and potential policy shifts under a possible Trump administration. CNBC analysts are discussing the feasibility and implications of the U.S. government holding Bitcoin as a reserve.
Trump's Crypto Stance and a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve
Recent developments suggest a growing interest in cryptocurrency at the highest levels of government. President Donald Trump announced the creation of a strategic crypto reserve that will include bitcoin, ether, XRP, Solana's SOL token and Cardano's ADA, in a post on Truth Social. This is the Bitcoin as reserve currency.
NASHVILLE - Former President Donald Trump stopped short of promising to establish an official U.S. bitcoin strategic reserve currency during his Saturday keynote speech. However, according to CNBC analysts, a Trump-led government could start holding Bitcoin as a reserve. The analysts believe a Trump-led White House could consider moving Bitcoin from the Justice Department to the Treasury.
The US Government's Bitcoin Holdings: A $13 Billion Opportunity?
The U.S. government already possesses a significant amount of Bitcoin. Currently, the US Department of Justice holds about 200,000 Bitcoins, a value of about $13 billion at the time of writing. They say the U.S. government should hold Bitcoin as a reserve currency. The idea is to leverage this existing stockpile to establish a national reserve.
Executive Order and a Dedicated Reserve
President Donald Trump signed an executive order establishing a government reserve of Bitcoin, a key marker in the cryptocurrency’s journey toward possible mainstream acceptance. President Donald Trump signed an executive order creating a strategic bitcoin reserve. White House Crypto and AI Czar David Sacks said the reserve will be funded exclusively with bitcoin.
Impact on Bitcoin Ownership and Centralization
A national Bitcoin reserve could significantly impact the market. Here are a few ways that a national reserve could impact Bitcoin ownership:
- Legal Mandates and “Repatriation” of Assets: One approach governments could take is to require individuals or entities holding Bitcoin to “repatriate” their assets into a government-approved system.
- Centralization and Oversight: Naming bitcoin as a strategic asset of the United States would, by default, lead to centralization and more overt governmental oversight and control over bitcoin.
The BITCOIN Act and Federal Reserve Funds
The BITCOIN Act mandates that the government decrease the permissible amount of the surplus funds of the Federal reserve banks by about $4.4 billion, from $6,825,000,000 to $2,400,000,000. This could potentially free up resources to be allocated towards the strategic Bitcoin reserve.
Conclusion: Will Bitcoin Become a US Reserve Asset?
The possibility of the US government holding Bitcoin as a reserve currency is a complex issue with far-reaching consequences. While uncertainties remain, the actions and statements of key figures like Donald Trump, combined with existing government Bitcoin holdings, suggest a potential shift towards greater acceptance and integration of cryptocurrency into the national financial system. Keep checking CNBC for the latest updates on this developing story.