Nikolas Sargeant
Bo Hines, executive director of the Presidential Council of Advisers for Digital Assets, revealed Tuesday that the US government is actively exploring methods to acquire Bitcoin without tapping into taxpayer resources.
Speaking at the Blockworks Digital Asset Summit 2025, Hines emphasized that this initiative fulfills President Trump's campaign promises while acknowledging Bitcoin's distinctive economic position. The administration is collaborating with the Treasury Department and Commerce Secretary to develop strategies for Bitcoin accumulation without public funding.
"We delivered on the President's promises from the campaign trail," Hines stated during a panel discussion. "The President was adamant about creating the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve. We wanted to ensure we did it right, respecting Bitcoin's unique nature while supporting innovation in other digital asset spaces."
Bitcoin Achieves New Status in US Economic Strategy
The establishment of the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve represents a significant pivot in the US government's digital asset approach. Traditionally, central banks have maintained reserves of gold and foreign currencies, but Bitcoin's emergence as a store of value has prompted the administration to embrace it as "digital gold" – signaling its growing importance in economic planning.
"We view Bitcoin as a commodity with intrinsic stored value that's traditionally accepted, not as a security," Hines explained.
Cost-Neutral Approach to Building Bitcoin Holdings
The administration's Bitcoin acquisition strategy centers on budget neutrality, ensuring no taxpayer dollars fund these purchases. While specific acquisition methods remain under development, government partnerships with Treasury and Commerce aim to facilitate this effort.
Hines stressed the importance of building digital asset holdings without burdening taxpayers: "It's imperative for the United States to have, retain, and continue building on this resource."
Determining Optimal Reserve Size
The national Bitcoin reserve concept has generated significant discussion among financial experts and policymakers. While supporters highlight Bitcoin's decentralized nature as protection against inflation and currency devaluation, critics point to volatility and regulatory uncertainties. Nevertheless, the administration remains determined to increase national holdings.
"I believe it's time our president accumulated assets for the American people rather than taking them away," Hines remarked. "That's something we wanted to make clear in this executive order."
Regarding the ultimate size of the reserve, Hines offered a telling comparison: "I'm frequently asked how much we want. That's like asking a country how much gold it wants. The answer is: as much as we can get."
As implementation details develop, industry observers are watching closely. The outcome could significantly influence Bitcoin's future role in both the US economy and global finance.
