President-elect Donald Trump met with Kris Marszalek, CEO of Crypto.com, on 16 December at Mar-a-Lago to discuss plans for a US Strategic Bitcoin Reserve. The meeting focused on developing a policy framework for the reserve, which aims to classify Bitcoin as a strategic asset within the Treasury’s Exchange Stabilisation Fund. The plan also includes rigorous audits and security protocols for government-held Bitcoin, consolidating assets within seven days and establishing a management programme within 60 days.

The Strategic Bitcoin Reserve is designed to bolster US economic security and global financial leadership in the digital asset space. The move aligns with Trump’s broader pro-crypto agenda, which includes appointing key industry advocates like Howard Lutnick as commerce secretary and Paul Atkins to lead the SEC. His administration’s crypto-friendly outlook is expected to enhance regulatory clarity and foster innovation.

The news coincided with Bitcoin reaching an all-time high of $108,268.45 on 17 December. This surge reflects growing confidence in the cryptocurrency’s role in the US financial landscape. Meanwhile, Ohio’s Derek Merrin has also proposed a state-backed Bitcoin reserve, signalling increasing governmental interest in Bitcoin as a hedge against economic uncertainties