US Treasury Secretary: "Bitcoin is the first step in strategic reserves...will develop purchase plans"

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent (pictured) has hinted at the possibility of additional Bitcoin (BTC) purchases.

In an interview with CNBC on the 7th (local time), Secretary Bessent stated, "I strongly believe that the United States should secure global leadership in the cryptocurrency sector." He added, "The first step is to stop (Bitcoin) sales," and "After that, we will develop specific plans (related to purchases)."

Secretary Bessent emphasized that "before increasing Bitcoin reserves, we must first stop selling." He explained, "The Bitcoin we currently hold comes from a pool of seized assets," adding, "About $500 million worth of Bitcoin was seized, and I understand about half of it has been sold." He continued, "After victim compensation is completed, all seized Bitcoin will be reserved," and "After that, we will decide how to proceed with additional purchase plans."

He also mentioned the possibility of altcoin reserves. Secretary Bessent said, "(Strategic reserves) currently start with Bitcoin," adding, "This is the first step toward overall cryptocurrency reserves."