Bitcoin's Main Character Moment: DOJ Policy News and the Search Volume Surge

The main character in this week's crypto policy drama just got a major plot twist. The Department of Justice has officially confirmed it has not sold the $6.37 million in Bitcoin forfeited from the founders of the privacy-focused Samourai Wallet. More importantly, the government says it will add this digital asset to the U.S. Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, a move that directly reinforces President Trump's executive order.

This news is a direct response to a trending story of concern. Just days before, reports emerged that rogue DOJ attorneys in New York were intent on liquidating the funds, potentially violating the spirit of Executive Order 14233. That order was designed to reverse the old practice of selling seized Bitcoin, instead formally recognizing it as a strategic reserve asset for the United States. The idea that a federal agency might have flouted that directive sparked immediate alarm within crypto circles.

The DOJ's confirmation, relayed through the White House's Digital Assets Council, is being seen as a win for crypto proponents. It validates the government's stated intent to hold Bitcoin as a strategic asset rather than cash it out. As the official put it, the digital assets "have not been liquidated and will not be liquidated" and will remain on the government's balance sheet as part of the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve. This decision effectively closes a chapter of uncertainty and aligns the government's actions with its stated policy.

Market Attention: Search Volume and Sentiment

This policy news isn't just a headline; it's a trending topic capturing significant market attention. Search volume for terms like "Samourai Bitcoin" and "DOJ Bitcoin sale" has spiked, indicating this is a viral sentiment driver in the crypto community. The intensity of online inquiry shows the market is actively digesting the implications of the government's retention decision.

The sentiment shift is clear. The Bitcoin sentiment gauge climbed to 61 after weeks in fear territory, reflecting a positive mood swing. Yet, this improvement sits atop a still-weak underlying trend. Bitcoin remains down roughly 25% since its October high, showing the broader bear market pressure hasn't fully lifted.

The recent price action underscores that this rally is being driven by institutional and policy catalysts, not just retail engagement. Bitcoin jumped to nearly $98,000 earlier this week, a move that coincided with the DOJ clarification and large institutional buying. This price surge demonstrates how the market is reacting to the day's hottest financial headline-the government's strategic hold on Bitcoin-as a potential floor for the asset.

Catalyst Check: Is Bitcoin the Main Beneficiary?

The DOJ's decision to add the Samourai Bitcoin to the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve is a clear policy win, but the real catalyst for Bitcoin's price is whether this move attracts institutional capital. The setup mirrors how sovereign wealth funds operate: a large, credible holder signaling a long-term strategic view can act as a market anchor. The reserve's existence, formalized by Executive Order 14233 signed in March 2025, is the foundational catalyst. It provides a tangible reason for institutions to view Bitcoin as a reserve asset, not just a speculative digital commodity.

The immediate test is execution and transparency. The recent controversy over rogue DOJ attorneys attempting to liquidate the Samourai funds shows that headline risk remains a vulnerability. Any mismanagement or lack of clear reporting on the reserve's holdings could quickly undermine the confidence this policy is meant to build. The market is watching for consistent actions that align with the executive order's spirit.

Beyond this specific holding, the broader regulatory clarity is key. The reserve's potential to grow is a major bullish factor. The U.S. government is already the world's largest known state holder, with an estimated 198,000 BTC. If other large forfeited Bitcoin holdings, like the $15 billion in bitcoin held in U.S. custody from the Prince Group case, are also funneled into the reserve, its size and influence would expand dramatically. This would amplify the institutional signal.

So, is Bitcoin the main beneficiary? For now, yes. The policy clarity directly addresses a key overhang-the fear of forced liquidation-and provides a structural floor. The market's search volume surge and price pop show it's reacting to this headline as a bullish catalyst. However, the full impact depends on the reserve's transparent management and its ability to absorb more seized assets, turning a policy statement into a tangible, growing institutional holder.