In a bold statement that sent waves through the crypto world, David Sacks, the White House’s advisor on artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency, revealed that the U.S. government may purchase more Bitcoin — if certain financial conditions are met.
Speaking at the Bitcoin 2025 conference on May 27 during a fireside chat with Gemini co-founders Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss, Sacks explained that a legal framework already exists for the federal government to expand its Bitcoin holdings. The key, he emphasized, is budget neutrality.
“If the Treasury or Commerce Department can fund it without adding to the debt or introducing new taxes, then we could potentially acquire more Bitcoin,” said Sacks.
A Trump-Era Executive Order Enables It
The foundation for this possibility is rooted in a March 6 executive order issued by former President Donald Trump. The order created a federal crypto reserve, authorizing the government to hold Bitcoin obtained through asset forfeiture — and, more importantly, buy more Bitcoin under specific financial constraints.
Sacks noted that the order allows new acquisitions of BTC only if the funding doesn’t impact the federal deficit. That means no tax increases, no new debt, and no additional financial burden on the government.
“It’s a real pathway — but I can’t promise anything,” Sacks clarified. “If we can find funds from underused federal programs or budget surpluses, then yes, we can make a move.”
How Much Bitcoin Does the U.S. Hold?
According to a recent report by CoinGecko, the U.S. government currently holds approximately 198,012 BTC, valued at over $21 billion at today’s prices.
These holdings came primarily from large-scale seizures tied to criminal activity:
- 🕸 69,370 BTC from Silk Road (November 2020)
- 🔒 51,351 BTC from another Silk Road-linked seizure (March 2022)
- 💻 94,636 BTC from Bitfinex hacker Ilya Lichtenstein (January 2022)
These massive acquisitions have made the U.S. one of the largest holders of Bitcoin globally — a position that may grow if Sacks’ proposal is taken seriously.
What Needs to Happen Next?
To proceed, either the Treasury Secretary or the Commerce Secretary must approve the plan and identify unused funds or reallocation opportunities that satisfy the budget-neutral requirement. As of now, Treasury Secretary Scott Besson and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick have not issued any statements regarding Sacks’ comments.
If either department gives the green light and secures the funding, the presidential order would legally permit the purchase — a potentially historic move that could shift the U.S.’s stance on Bitcoin from passive holder to active participant.
Why This Matters
This development comes at a time when Bitcoin adoption and institutional interest are surging. Having the U.S. government actively invest in Bitcoin — not just hold it from seizures — could legitimize crypto further and influence other countries to do the same.
It's no longer a question of if nations will hold Bitcoin, but how soon they’ll make it official policy.
TL;DR:
- David Sacks says the U.S. can buy more Bitcoin — if done without new debt or taxes.
- A March 2024 executive order allows it under “budget-neutral” conditions.
- The U.S. already holds 198,000+ BTC, mostly from legal seizures.
- Action now depends on the Treasury or Commerce Departments approving and funding the purchase.
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