The United States government holds approximately 198,000 Bitcoin valued at $24 billion, cementing its position as the world's largest sovereign holder of the cryptocurrency. Blockchain analytics firm Arkham Intelligence verified the holdings across FBI, DEA, and U.S. Marshals Service wallets, dispelling rumors of an 85% sell-off that circulated after a limited Freedom of Information Act disclosure earlier this year.
Checkout US Government Holdings Dashboard - by Arkham Intelligence
This monumental reserve stems from assets seized in criminal investigations and forfeiture cases over the past decade. Federal wallets have shown no movement for four consecutive months, signaling a deliberate custodial strategy rather than imminent liquidation. The inactivity follows President Trump's landmark March 2025 executive order establishing a formal "Strategic Bitcoin Reserve" and "U.S. Digital Asset Stockpile," which prohibits sales except for victim restitution or law enforcement necessities.
The $24 billion position, while representing just 0.065% of America's $37 trillion national debt, carries profound symbolic weight as the White House positions Bitcoin as "digital gold" in its economic doctrine. Treasury officials confirm the reserve aims to establish U.S. dominance in digital asset governance while leveraging Bitcoin's scarcity principle. Globally, the holdings dwarf other national treasuries, exceeding the United Kingdom's $7 billion and Bhutan's $1.3 billion reserves combined.
Market analysts express cautious relief over the government's inactive stance, removing immediate fears of a destabilizing $24 billion sell-off. However, long-term concerns persist about the volatility inherent in maintaining such reserves. The policy shift coincides with the July 2025 passage of the GENIUS Act, creating federal stablecoin regulations that prioritize consumer safeguards and anti-money laundering protocols.
Critics from both political parties question the wisdom of hoarding volatile assets. "Liquidating even a fraction could service national debt," argued former Treasury economist David Wilcox, while Senator Elizabeth Warren warned of "speculative gambling with public interests." Conversely, Digital Chamber of Commerce head Perianne Bunting hailed the reserve as "a visionary hedge in the digital age."
All eyes now turn to the July 30 deadline for recommendations from President Trump's cryptocurrency task force. The report is expected to outline operational frameworks for the Bitcoin reserve, including proposals to fund operations through seized assets rather than taxpayer dollars. As blockchain technology reshapes global finance, America's $24 billion bet signals an unprecedented fusion of cryptocurrency and sovereign strategy.