United States

The United States has been a significant player in the Bitcoin landscape, primarily through the accumulation of Bitcoin assets via law enforcement seizures. Over the years, the U.S. government has confiscated substantial amounts of Bitcoin from various criminal activities, including the infamous Silk Road marketplace and the Bitfinex hack. These assets have been managed by different federal agencies, with some being auctioned off and others retained.

In recent years, there has been a shift towards recognizing Bitcoin's potential as a strategic asset. This change reflects a broader understanding of Bitcoin's role in the global financial system and its potential benefits for national economic strategy.

Recent Developments

• March 6, 2025: President Donald Trump signed an executive order establishing a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and a U.S. Digital Asset Stockpile. The reserve is to be funded with Bitcoin forfeited in criminal or civil cases and will serve as a store of value, akin to a digital Fort Knox. The order also mandates a comprehensive audit of the government's Bitcoin holdings and authorizes the development of strategies to acquire additional Bitcoin without imposing incremental costs on taxpayers. (whitehouse.gov)

• March 7, 2025: Following the executive order, President Trump hosted a "Digital Asset Summit" at the White House, attended by representatives from major American crypto companies, including Chainlink, Gemini, Robinhood, Kraken, MicroStrategy, Coinbase, and Paradigm. The summit aimed to discuss the future of digital assets in the U.S. and the role of the newly established reserves. (en.wikipedia.org)

• March 11, 2025: Senator Cynthia Lummis introduced a bill co-sponsored by five other senators, directing the purchase of 1 million BTC over five years by diversifying existing federal funds. This legislative move underscores the growing political support for integrating Bitcoin into the nation's financial strategy. (en.wikipedia.org)

These developments mark a significant shift in the U.S. government's approach to Bitcoin, transitioning from viewing it solely as a seized asset to recognizing its potential as a strategic reserve. The establishment of the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and the U.S. Digital Asset Stockpile reflects a proactive stance in embracing digital assets as integral components of the nation's financial infrastructure.