Progress is under way to create a U.S. Bitcoin strategic reserve, but obscure legal provisions are slowing the effort, Patrick Witt, director of the White House Crypto Council, said. He told the Crypto in America podcast that the Department of Justice and the Office of Legal Counsel are reviewing legal and regulatory roles.
“It seems straightforward, but then you get into some obscure legal provisions, and why this agency can’t do it, but actually, this other agency could. We’re continuing to push on that. It is certainly still on the priority list right now.”
Donald Trump signed an executive order in March 2025 creating a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and a Digital Asset Stockpile. A post documented the signing.
The order bars selling government Bitcoin and permits additions only from asset forfeiture seizures. This restriction prevents open-market purchases and drew criticism from parts of the Bitcoin community.
Justin Bechler wrote on social media, “The belief that the federal government will one day build a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve requires a complete detachment from reality,” reflecting community skepticism (commented).
In July 2025 the administration released a report on digital asset policy that did not add details on reserve acquisitions. In August 2025 Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent proposed budget-neutral strategies to acquire Bitcoin.
Online trackers and posts showed the government’s crypto holdings valued in dollars. Data and a related post reported those dollar figures.
