Former President Donald Trump announced his plan to maintain the U.S. government’s current bitcoin holdings if he returns to the White House. Speaking at the Bitcoin Conference in Nashville, Trump emphasized the importance of not selling the government’s bitcoin, aligning his stance with the beliefs of many cryptocurrency enthusiasts. He promised to make the United States a global leader in cryptocurrency, though he stopped short of proposing an official federal reserve of digital currency.
Trump’s comments come amid a broader discussion on cryptocurrency in the 2024 presidential race. He criticized the Biden administration’s approach to crypto regulation and vowed to end what he described as their “anti-crypto crusade.” He also promised to create a “bitcoin and crypto presidential advisory council” to ensure that future regulations are crafted by those who support the industry.
While Trump focused on preserving existing bitcoin holdings, other figures at the conference proposed more aggressive strategies. Third-party candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. suggested creating a reserve of 4 million bitcoin, starting with those seized from criminal activities. Senator Cynthia Lummis also proposed a plan for the U.S. to accumulate 1 million bitcoin over five years, with the aim of using it to reduce national debt.
Trump’s speech is part of his broader effort to appeal to the cryptocurrency community. He has previously accepted donations in digital tokens and has positioned himself against the Biden administration’s regulatory approach. The event also featured a fundraiser for Trump’s re-election campaign, underscoring the growing financial and political significance of the cryptocurrency sector in American politics.
