U.S. Treasury Secretary defends 'strategic Bitcoin holdings'…"building value as a government asset"

The U.S. Treasury has reaffirmed its view that strategic Bitcoin (BTC) holdings are regarded as part of the government’s assets. It said Bitcoin holdings based on seized assets are already posting substantial unrealized gains.

According to Bitcoin Magazine on the 4th (local time), U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said, "A strategic Bitcoin stockpile is a government asset," adding, "Through Bitcoin seized by the government, we are accumulating tangible asset value."

Bessent noted, "A total of $1 billion worth of Bitcoin was seized, and of that, the government ended up holding about $500 million worth," adding, "The value of that Bitcoin has now risen to more than $15 billion."

He suggested Bitcoin is not merely a speculative asset, but could function as part of the government’s asset portfolio. He particularly emphasized that digital assets secured through the recovery of criminal proceeds can generate significant fiscal value over the long term.

Recently in the U.S., discussion—centered in political circles—has been spreading over whether Bitcoin should be used as a strategic asset or a reserve asset. Some Republican lawmakers have publicly urged the Treasury to craft a strategy to purchase and hold Bitcoin.

However, the Treasury has not outlined specific plans on whether it will make additional purchases beyond seized assets or on an official strategic Bitcoin-holding policy. The debate is likely to continue depending on future congressional discussions and the direction of policy.