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President Donald Trump’s latest executive order (EO) introduces new rules for how the U.S. government will handle digital assets like Bitcoin (BTC), XRP, and other cryptocurrencies. The order focuses on two key components: a strategic reserve for Bitcoin and a broader digital asset stockpile that includes XRP and other altcoins.
What is the Strategic Reserve for Bitcoin?
According to Fox Business’ Eleanor Terrett and David Sacks, the EO establishes a strategic reserve for Bitcoin (BTC), which will be the U.S. government’s primary digital asset. This reserve will be funded using the approximately 200,000 BTC tokens already in the government’s possession. These Bitcoins were seized over the years through criminal and civil forfeitures—meaning they were taken from illegal activities. The government will not need to buy any additional Bitcoin with taxpayer money. In fact, officials are authorized to explore ways to acquire more Bitcoin, but only through methods that do not cost taxpayers.
What is the Digital Asset Stockpile?
Alongside the Bitcoin reserve, the EO also creates a digital asset stockpile, which will contain cryptocurrencies other than Bitcoin. The stockpile will likely include assets like XRP, ADA (Cardano), ETH (Ethereum), and SOL (Solana), as announced by the President. However, unlike Bitcoin, the government will not actively look to purchase more of these altcoins. Instead, it will explore ways to acquire them without spending taxpayer dollars, such as using cryptocurrencies already seized from illicit activities.
The Role of Seized Assets
A key point discussed by experts is how the government will build its stockpile of XRP, ADA, and other cryptos without purchasing them. According to a former Goldman Sachs employee and founder of EasyA, the government will use seized assets to fill the stockpile. Over the years, the government has confiscated a large amount of cryptocurrency as part of legal actions against criminal activity. This means no new taxpayer money will be used for the stockpile.
No Plans to Sell Crypto
The government also announced that it will not be selling any of its seized cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin and others. This decision could reduce market volatility caused by government sales of crypto. Over the last decade, the government sold around 195,000 BTC, which some believe led to downward pressure on Bitcoin’s price. By holding onto these assets, the government is signaling a more stable approach to managing its digital holdings.
What Does This Mean for the Crypto Market?
The decision not to sell seized cryptocurrencies, along with the creation of a digital asset reserve and stockpile, is seen as a positive step for the crypto market. It reduces potential selling pressure and might help stabilize prices, especially for Bitcoin. Overall, these measures are viewed as bullish for the market, particularly for Bitcoin and other digital assets included in the government’s stockpile.
