In a recent discussion at the Bitcoin 2025 conference, White House AI and crypto czar David Sacks revealed a potential pathway for the US government to acquire more Bitcoin. According to Sacks, this acquisition can occur if it is conducted in a budget-neutral manner, meaning it wouldn’t lead to new taxes or add to the national debt.
During a fireside chat with Gemini co-founders Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss, Sacks emphasized that while he couldn’t guarantee a government purchase, the opportunity exists. The critical aspect hinges on convincing either Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick or Treasury Secretary Scott Besson to approve the funding for Bitcoin purchases without affecting the federal budget negatively.
“The question is, can we get either the Treasury Department or the Commerce Department to get excited about that?” Sacks stated. “If they can figure out how to fund it, they actually do have presidential authorization.” This statement aligns with the executive order issued on March 6, which allowed the government to establish a crypto reserve and purchase Bitcoin, especially from seized assets as part of criminal investigations.
The executive order indicates that any Bitcoin acquired through forfeiture could potentially be part of this reserve. Currently, the US holds approximately 198,012 Bitcoin, estimated to be worth over $21 billion at recent market prices, primarily sourced from seizures linked to the infamous Silk Road marketplace. These seizures include a notable stash of 69,370 Bitcoin taken in November 2020 and another batch of 51,351 Bitcoin in March 2022.
Furthermore, on January 31, 2022, authorities seized 94,636 Bitcoin from hacker Ilya Lichtenstein, which underscores the US government’s active role in managing and acquiring cryptocurrency through law enforcement actions.
In January 2023, the Department of Justice received the approval to sell 198,109 Bitcoin, and earlier this year, the government sold a portion of its holdings, indicating both a strategic approach to cryptocurrency management and the potential for future acquisitions. As discussions around cryptocurrency continue to evolve, the government’s role in purchasing Bitcoin presents a compelling narrative within the broader crypto ecosystem.
In conclusion, as the US government explores avenues to integrate cryptocurrencies into its financial framework, the potential acquisition of Bitcoin may signal a significant shift. With the right conditions and funding strategies in place, the future of Bitcoin purchases could hinge on creative budget allocations that do not burden taxpayers or the national debt.
