US Government Establishes Strategic Bitcoin Reserve
The concept of sovereign Bitcoin reserves has shifted from campaign rhetoric to federal policy. In March 2025, President Trump signed Executive Order 14233, establishing a formal Strategic Bitcoin Reserve. The reserve holds forfeited Bitcoin transferred by federal agencies and operates as a permanent holding with no planned sales.
The U.S. government is estimated to hold approximately 328,372 Bitcoin from criminal and civil asset forfeitures, making it one of the world's largest sovereign Bitcoin holders. Based on July 2026 market prices, those holdings are worth roughly $21 billion.
Senator Cynthia Lummis introduced a revised bill directing the Treasury to purchase one million Bitcoin over five years. This would determine whether the Treasury expands the reserve through direct Bitcoin purchases beyond forfeited assets.
New Hampshire and Texas have become legislative models for state-level adoption, with 16 additional states introducing similar bills during 2025. The European Central Bank has rejected Bitcoin reserves outright, citing price volatility concerns.