- US government is considering selling part of its gold reserves to purchase Bitcoin, recognizing it as a modern hedge against inflation.
- A proposed Bitcoin Act and existing US government Bitcoin holdings indicate a strategic shift towards long-term digital asset accumulation.
According to a recent report by Standard Chartered, the US government is eyeing Bitcoin as a modern hedge and may sell part of its colossal $800 billion gold reserves to buy Bitcoin. Gold has long dominated central bank holdings, but Bitcoin’s rising institutional adoption and limited supply challenge its supremacy. If successful, the move will trigger volatility for both gold and cryptocurrency markets.
US Govt could sell some of its $800B gold to buy Bitcoin for its Strategic Reserve – Standard Chartered pic.twitter.com/0pfEnN1Cad
— Bitcoin Archive (@BTC_Archive) March 9, 2025
Bitcoin’s unique properties make it a compelling alternative to gold. Unlike traditional assets, only 21 million Bitcoins will ever exist, making it a digital fortress against inflation. Additionally, Bitcoin’s portability and security advantages over gold mean that the asset can be moved instantly across borders without physical constraints.
The rising institutional adoption of Bitcoin further strengthens its case. Large corporations and financial institutions have increasingly integrated cryptocurrency into their balance sheets, further legitimizing its place in global finance. If the US officially recognizes Bitcoin as a strategic reserve asset, it could trigger an international shift, forcing other nations to reconsider their holdings.
US Government Already Holds $15.70 Billion in Bitcoin
At present, the US government holds approximately 198,109 BTC, valued at around $15.69 billion, according to Arkham. These assets have primarily come from legal seizures and are currently restricted from sale due to regulatory constraints. This existing stockpile proves that the government has already engaged with Bitcoin on a significant scale.
Beyond gold sales, financial analysts point to the Exchange Stabilization Fund (ESF), which holds $39 billion in net assets, as another funding source for a Bitcoin purchase. Traditionally, the ESF is used for financial crisis stabilization, but if reallocated, it could serve as a powerful tool for acquiring Bitcoin without directly selling gold.
If the US moves forward with such a strategy, it could set a global precedent. Other nations would likely take note, accelerating Bitcoin’s role as an official reserve asset and pushing governments worldwide to develop their own crypto strategies.
The Bitcoin Act 2024 Could Drive Long-Term Accumulation
Another key factor in this potential shift is the Bitcoin Act 2024, introduced by Senator Cynthia Lummis. This legislation proposes purchasing 200,000 BTC annually for five years, systematically integrating Bitcoin into the US financial system. If structured correctly, this initiative could be executed in a budget-neutral manner, ensuring that public finances remain intact while still embracing digital assets.
SENATOR CYNTHIA LUMMIS: 200K BTC A YEAR TO TACKLE U.S. DEBT
Lummis is proposing the U.S. buy 200,000 BTC annually for 5 years.
She wants to hold it for 20 years with the aim of cutting the national debt in half.
Imagine how wild that could be if Bitcoin keeps its bull run… pic.twitter.com/02b57AexnP
— Mario Nawfal’s Roundtable (@RoundtableSpace) January 28, 2025
The move could also encourage greater institutional investment, strengthening Bitcoin’s reputation as a legitimate financial instrument. With clear government backing, businesses and investment funds would feel more comfortable allocating capital to Bitcoin, boosting its adoption even further.
With the White House Digital Assets Summit approaching, all eyes are on President Donald Trump and his stance on the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve. Markets are already reacting, with Bitcoin trading between $80,000 and $95,000, reflecting anticipation over potential policy announcements.
