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U.s. government holds over $35 billion in bitcoin assets

U.S. Government Holds Over $35 Billion in Bitcoin | Stolen or Seized?

By

Rajiv Kumar

Oct 21, 2025, 05:19 AM

Edited By

Liam Thompson

3 minutes estimated to read

Representation of the U.S. government holding Bitcoin, featuring a digital wallet filled with Bitcoin symbols and a backdrop of the U.S. flag.
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The U.S. government now possesses over $35 billion in Bitcoin, raising eyebrows and sparking discussions on how these assets were acquired. This latest financial move adds to an atmosphere of skepticism regarding government actions, especially in the crypto space, as public sentiment appears mixed.

The Background on Bitcoin Holdings

In 2025, the government's accumulation of Bitcoin primarily stems from seizures rather than purchases. Many view this acquisition as controversial, especially when dealing with public funds that could address pressing societal needs. Commenters on local forums expressed a range of reactions:

  • "They didnโ€™t buy any and they literally print money so they have zero risk."

  • "This is all seized, the government prints this much money on demand."

  • "Your assets can be seized without a criminal conviction. It can be literal stealing."

Concerns arose among commentators, pointing towards how such holdings contrast with the governmentโ€™s failure to address basic social services. "But canโ€™t afford free lunches for school children, elderly, and veterans right now?" one user noted.

Public Sentiment and Debates

Reactions vary on forums, with a blend of skepticism and outright distrust. Many users question the legitimacy of the governmentโ€™s actions, labeling them as akin to theft. "Itโ€™s stolen. They didnโ€™t buy it; they stole it," wrote one commenter. Meanwhile, another remarked, "If itโ€™s criminal seizures, you canโ€™t really call this stealing."

Public frustration is notable here, with criticism targeting the broader implications of these financial maneuvers. As one user succinctly stated, "The biggest criminal organization in the world" in reference to the government.

Financial Implications

The legitimacy surrounding the substantial Bitcoin holdings raises questions about their potential use in addressing the nationโ€™s debt, which currently sits at around $50 trillion. "Only 965 billion to go in Bitcoin, until the US can sell all of it to pay off 1/35 of the debt. Great success!" remarked a user, showcasing the widespread concern about public finance management.

"Seems to be all the leaders of this nation do starting with its founding," one comment reflected, indicating a long-standing distrust in governmental financial practices.

Key Points to Consider:

  • ๐Ÿ”น $35 billion in Bitcoin from seizures, not purchases

  • โš ๏ธ Discussions around 'theft' vs. lawful seizure are ongoing

  • ๐Ÿ’ฐ "Can they use this to pay off some of their debt?" - Concerned commenter

As this situation unfolds, the questions surrounding the U.S. government's actions will likely continue to grow. Will these Bitcoin holdings ever be put to use for the public good, or will they remain a point of contention? Only time will tell.

Future Implications for Government Bitcoin Holdings

As the U.S. government continues to hold over $35 billion in Bitcoin, thereโ€™s a solid chance that discussions around the potential sale of these assets might escalate. Experts estimate that if the government considers liquidating a portion of these holdings, it could lead to significant price fluctuations in the crypto market. Many believe that using part of these funds could help address national debt, especially given the current financial climate. However, this move also risks public backlash if seen as mishandling or misuse of funds from stolen assets. Consequently, navigating this landscape of skepticism could lead to tighter regulations or even demands for more transparency regarding government financial practices.

A Historical Echo of Financial Management

In a way, this situation mirrors the post-Prohibition era in the 1930s when the government seized illegal alcohol and converted that into revenue. Just as then, public sentiment was split over the morality and legality of these actions. The incomes generated from those seized assets were used for recovery, yet the fundamental questions lingered: should the government profit from seized goods? The ongoing debate about ethics in financial management remains relevant in todayโ€™s dialogue around Bitcoin, underscoring persistent tensions between state actions and public trust.