Trump May Designate Bitcoin as a Strategic Reserve Asset on His First Day in Office

A newly uncovered public document reveals that the Bitcoin Policy Institute, a research and advocacy group in the United States, has drafted an executive order

A newly uncovered public document reveals that the Bitcoin Policy Institute, a research and advocacy group in the United States, has drafted an executive order that aims to designate Bitcoin as a strategic reserve asset. This proposed order is designed to take effect immediately upon being signed by President-elect Donald Trump on his first day in office.

The draft order, which was obtained by Bitcoin Magazine, outlines a plan to establish a “Strategic Bitcoin Reserve” as a permanent national asset, to be held and managed by the U.S. Treasury Department. The goal of this reserve is to bolster the strength of the U.S. dollar and support American economic interests.

If enacted, the executive order would direct the U.S. Treasury to acquire Bitcoin as part of the Exchange Stabilization Fund (ESF), a financial tool that can be used to stabilize the U.S. dollar exchange rate. This would mark the first time that a cryptocurrency has been included in the ESF, which currently consists of foreign currencies, gold, and Special Drawing Rights (SDRs).

The draft order also includes provisions to ensure the secure handling and administration of the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve. It mandates regular audits and reporting on the reserve, and it prohibits the sale or encumbrance of any BTC held by federal agencies, including the U.S. Marshals Service, for seven days after the order is signed. Instead, any BTC held by these agencies would be transferred to the strategic reserve upon the acquisition of legal title.

Furthermore, the draft order instructs the Secretary of the Treasury to establish an acquisition program for Bitcoin within 60 days of the order being signed. This program would facilitate the management and procurement of Bitcoin under the ESF.

While this document represents only a draft and neither Trump nor members of the upcoming administration have publicly commented on it, interest in such measures has been growing in recent days.

Notably, Jack Mallers, founder and CEO of Strike, recently indicated that Trump is considering a day-one executive order to establish a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve. During an interview, Mallers stated, “I also know that Trump is looking at a day one executive order.”

His remarks prompted discussions about the potential implications of such an order, particularly in the context of the Dollar Stabilization Act, which could grant the president broad authority to protect the dollar.

Trump’s recent statements have further fueled speculation surrounding the establishment of a Bitcoin reserve. In a speech at the New York Stock Exchange, he remarked, “We’re gonna do something great with crypto,” and when asked about the possibility of the U.S. creating a reserve akin to its oil reserves, he replied, “Yes, I think so.”

At the time of writing, BTC is consolidating at the $104,000 level, down 2.5% in the 24-hour time frame.