The United States has announced the establishment of a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and a United States Digital Asset Stockpile, according to an order from the President. The aim is to leverage digital assets for national prosperity while managing these resources strategically.
Bitcoin, often referred to as "digital gold" due to its capped supply and security features, forms a central part of this initiative. The U.S. Government holds a substantial amount of Bitcoin but has not yet fully utilized it as a strategic asset within the global financial system.
The policy aims to create a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve alongside a Digital Asset Stockpile for managing other digital holdings securely. The Secretary of the Treasury will oversee these custodial accounts, which include all BTC forfeited in legal proceedings or penalties and not required elsewhere by law.
Within 30 days, government agencies are tasked with reviewing their authority over any BTC they hold and reporting findings to the Treasury Secretary. These assets will be maintained as reserve assets for governmental objectives.
Additionally, strategies will be developed for acquiring more government-held BTC without imposing additional costs on taxpayers. However, no further acquisition of other digital assets will occur without new executive or legislative action unless related to legal proceedings or penalties.
"Government Digital Assets," encompassing both BTC and other stockpile assets, cannot be sold except under specific conditions such as returning them to crime victims or using them for law enforcement operations.
An evaluation of legal and investment considerations related to these reserves is expected within 60 days from the Treasury Secretary. This includes potential legislative needs for operationalizing aspects of this order.
Each agency must provide a full accounting of their digital asset holdings within 30 days. If no such assets exist, confirmation must be sent to the Treasury Secretary and the President’s Working Group on Digital Asset Markets.
The order clarifies that it does not alter existing authorities or budgetary functions nor creates enforceable rights against the U.S. Government or its entities.
