The U.S. Treasury confirmed plans to expand the Bitcoin reserve using seized assets after initial remarks suggested no purchases. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent clarified that forfeited bitcoin would form the foundation of the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve. He added that budget-neutral methods to increase holdings remain under consideration.
Clarification on the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve
Bessent posted on social media platform X to address confusion from his earlier television appearance. He stated that Bitcoin finally forfeited to the federal government will be the basis of the reserve. He also emphasized the administration’s goal to make the United States the “Bitcoin superpower of the world.”
Bitcoin that has been finally forfeited to the federal government will be the foundation of the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve that President Trump established in his March Executive Order.
In addition, Treasury is committed to exploring budget-neutral pathways to acquire more…
— Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent (@SecScottBessent) August 14, 2025
Earlier that day, Bessent appeared on Fox Business and said the government would not buy bitcoin directly. Instead, it would stop selling seized digital assets and add them to the reserve. This marked a clear shift from selling confiscated BTC to retaining it.

President Donald Trump’s March executive order established the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve. The order directed Treasury and Commerce to explore budget-neutral acquisition methods. It specifically instructed that no incremental taxpayer costs should arise from such strategies.
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The apparent change in tone sparked strong reactions from cryptocurrency supporters. Some accused the administration of adjusting its message to avoid negative market sentiment. Others urged the government to buy Bitcoin directly using traditional monetary tools.
One supporter pointed out that budget-neutral acquisitions were not ruled out. This could involve selling gold, using surpluses, or swapping other assets. Such approaches would allow the Bitcoin reserve to grow without new government spending.
Industry figures like Samson Mow expressed confidence in future purchases. Mow cited potential options like issuing bitcoin bonds or selling gold. He suggested that patience would reveal the administration’s acquisition strategy.
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The budget-neutral concept remains central to the administration’s approach. It aims to build the Bitcoin reserve without increasing the federal budget. This includes reallocating or exchanging existing government assets.
Bessent reaffirmed that the government will retain all confiscated Bitcoin. This change means previously sold assets will now strengthen the reserve. It also aligns with Trump’s stated goal of enhancing U.S. dominance in digital assets.

Proponents argue that using seized bitcoin avoids additional public spending. Critics, however, claim that confiscation alone is insufficient for building a competitive position. They say that proactive purchases could better establish the reserve’s global relevance.
Summary
The U.S. Treasury confirmed it will grow the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve using seized assets and budget-neutral strategies. Secretary Scott Bessent clarified the plan after initial remarks suggested no acquisitions. The reserve will be built from forfeited bitcoin, with potential expansion through asset swaps or other cost-neutral methods. President Trump’s executive order supports these strategies without burdening taxpayers.
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FAQs
What is the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve?
It is a government-held stockpile of bitcoin created by President Trump’s March executive order.
How will the reserve be expanded?
The reserve will grow using confiscated bitcoin and other budget-neutral acquisition methods.
Will taxpayer money be used to buy Bitcoin?
No, the executive order prohibits strategies that increase taxpayer costs.
Why did Bessent clarify his earlier statement?
He aimed to address market confusion after earlier comments suggested no expansion of bitcoin holdings.
What does budget-neutral mean in this context?
It means acquiring bitcoin without increasing federal spending or adding new costs to taxpayers.
Glossary of Key Terms
Bitcoin reserve – A store of bitcoin held by a government or institution.
Budget-neutral – A financial strategy that does not increase spending or create new costs.
Confiscated assets – Property or currency seized by the government through legal processes.
Executive order – A directive issued by the President that has the force of law.
Digital assets – Electronic resources such as cryptocurrencies, tokens, or digital securities.