US Bitcoin Reserves Grow: Strategic Plan Unveiled by Trump

US Bitcoin Reserves- Trump Signs Order for Bitcoin Reserve: What’s Next?

US Bitcoin Reserves– The United States currently holds approximately 198,109 Bitcoin, valued at around $17.7 billion, according to blockchain analytics firm Arkham Intelligence. This significant reserve primarily stems from seizures and forfeitures related to criminal cases. A portion of these seized Bitcoin will eventually contribute to the newly established “Strategic Bitcoin Reserve,” a move officially confirmed by President Donald Trump through an executive order on March 6, 2025.

The reserve will store Bitcoin “forfeited as part of criminal or civil asset forfeiture proceedings or in satisfaction of any civil money penalty.” It also tasks federal agencies with determining the amount of Bitcoin they hold so it can be added to the national reserve.

Key Events Leading to Bitcoin Seizures

The U.S. government’s journey to becoming the world’s largest nation-state holder of Bitcoin began with notable seizures:

• 69,370 BTC (November 2020): The largest crypto seizure at the time, linked to the hacker behind the Silk Road marketplace. The hacker, known as “Individual X,” had stolen the Bitcoin, and the Department of Justice eventually sold the stash, which had grown to $6.5 billion by the time it was seized.
• 94,636 BTC (January 2022): Seized from Bitfinex hacker Ilya Lichtenstein, this Bitcoin represented 80% of the funds stolen in the 2016 Bitfinex hack.

The Role of Strategic Bitcoin Reserve

While the reserve will initially only consist of forfeited BTC, the White House has indicated plans to explore the possibility of acquiring additional Bitcoin without impacting U.S. taxpayers. This strategic move ensures that no funds within the reserve will be sold, a stark contrast to previous administration actions, which faced criticism from industry leaders such as David Sacks, the White House AI and Crypto Czar.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Cryptocurrencies and stocks, particularly in micro-cap companies, are subject to significant volatility and risk. Please conduct thorough research before making any investment decisions.