State Department Taps Bitcoin Advocates Amid Market Slump

The US State Department has named Bitcoin Policy Institute (BPI) as one of its founding partners in the Freedom Tech Excellence Program (FTEP), a diplomatic initiative aimed at promoting digital freedom. The move comes amidst a market slump, with institutional investors withdrawing capital from crypto-funds.

The inclusion of BPI, a nonprofit organization that promotes Bitcoin research and public policy, suggests that Washington recognizes the importance of Bitcoin knowledge in tackling issues like information privacy, censorship, financial freedom, and national security.

As part of FTEP, private sector professionals will work with government officials on projects involving digital freedom and new technologies. BPI's activities within the program will focus on online freedom of expression, privacy-enhancing technologies, countering digital surveillance, and responsible AI governance.

The appointment is part of a larger effort to establish America as a leading country in the area of digital assets, which began with an executive order by Donald Trump in March 2025. The State Department's recognition of Bitcoin advocates may reinforce its growing importance in US policy-making, but it's unlikely to bring about substantial changes in the market.