The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has recently sold Bitcoin, directly contradicting an order from President Trump to preserve such assets in a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve. This action has ignited immediate criticism from lawmakers and crypto industry advocates.
Senator Cynthia Lummis, a prominent Bitcoin supporter, voiced strong opposition to the sale. "Why is the U.S. government still selling Bitcoin when President Trump explicitly ordered these assets to be preserved? We cannot afford to waste strategic assets while other countries continue to buy Bitcoin. This report deeply concerns me," she stated.
The DOJ's decision highlights significant internal tensions within the federal government over digital asset management. On one side, some agencies aim to generate liquidity from seized cryptocurrencies. On the other, there are efforts to hold Bitcoin as a long-term strategic asset. This disagreement results in a lack of coherence between federal policy and concrete actions.
Critics argue that selling Bitcoin now could weaken the United States' credibility in the global crypto market. Meanwhile, countries like Germany and El Salvador continue to increase their Bitcoin reserves, adding competitive pressure.
The debate underscores Bitcoin's unique role as a strategic asset. Unlike traditional fiat currency, no government can print new Bitcoin, allowing it to act as a hedge against inflation. Senator Lummis emphasized this point: "The United States is trading something that cannot be printed for something that can. It's a strategic mistake." Experts suggest that maintaining a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve could help protect the nation from future economic uncertainties.
The sale has also raised fundamental questions about how the U.S. manages seized cryptocurrencies. Specifically, who decides when and how to sell these assets? Must agencies adhere to presidential directives? Currently, federal guidelines on digital assets are inconsistent. While Bitcoin is often obtained from criminal proceedings, there is no clear long-term management plan. This situation may push Congress to establish clearer rules and more rigorous oversight.
The DOJ's Bitcoin sale keeps U.S. Bitcoin policy in the spotlight. Looking ahead, legislators and crypto advocates are likely to increase pressure for the formal establishment of a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve. The goal is to prevent the U.S. from missing the opportunity to hold a scarce and valuable asset. For now, this event demonstrates how policy intentions and government actions can conflict, especially in the rapidly evolving world of digital assets.
