Bitcoin News Today: U.S. Author Proposes Funding Bitcoin Reserve With $70 Billion Tariff Surplus

The U.S. government should consider using its tariff surplus to fund a strategic Bitcoin reserve, according to Adam Livingston, author of The Bitcoin Age and The Great Harvest. In a recent proposal, Livingston argued that a portion of the monthly trade tariff surpluses could be allocated to the purchase of Bitcoin, which would then be stored in secure, non-traded cold storage. This approach, he emphasized, would not involve staking, selling, or using the cryptocurrency for yield, ensuring it functions similarly to traditional strategic reserves [1].

Livingston highlighted that as of July, the U.S. had collected $135.7 billion in customs duties—nearly double the pace from the previous year—leaving a $70 billion surplus by mid-fiscal year. He pointed out that this amount is unallocated and not tied to existing government programs, debt service, or entitlements, making it a viable source for acquiring digital assets without requiring new budget allocations [1]. The proposal aligns with the framework outlined in a recent executive order by U.S. President Donald Trump, which mandates that any additional Bitcoin acquisitions be made through budget-neutral methods [1].

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has provided mixed signals on the issue. In a recent statement on Fox Business, he said the U.S. government currently has no plans to make new Bitcoin purchases for the strategic reserve, instead relying on confiscated assets to build it up. However, he clarified later that day that the Treasury remains open to exploring budget-neutral strategies for acquiring more Bitcoin [2].

One such strategy involves revaluing the Treasury’s gold holdings, which are currently priced at $42.22 per troy ounce, while the spot market price for gold is approximately $3,335 per ounce. Another option includes reallocating existing reserve assets or selling off oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to fund Bitcoin acquisitions [2].

Edan Yago, co-founder of BitcoinOS, has forecasted that the U.S. government will eventually establish a national Bitcoin reserve, viewing the move as inevitable given the increasing role of digital assets in global finance [3]. These discussions take place amid broader economic uncertainty, including potential shifts in Federal Reserve policy and the ongoing impact of Trump’s aggressive tariff policies on global trade dynamics [4][5].

While no concrete plans have yet been announced, the growing attention from government officials and financial experts suggests that the idea of a Bitcoin strategic reserve is gaining traction in U.S. policy circles [1].

Source:

[1] title1.............................(https://www.tradingview.com/news/cointelegraph:10cc49958094b:0-us-should-fund-bitcoin-strategic-reserve-with-tariff-surplus-author/)

[2] title2.............................(https://cryptoadventure.com/scott-bessent-suggests-government-bitcoin-purchases-remain-a-possibility/)

[3] title3.............................(https://cryptodnes.bg/en/tag/bitcoin/page/35/)

[4] title4.............................(https://www.investing.com/news/economy/wells-fargo-outlines-how-the-fed-may-revisit-its-policy-framework-at-jackson-hole-4192890)

[5] title5.............................(https://www.ainvest.com/news/trump-trade-policies-iowa-agricultural-crossroads-navigating-risks-opportunities-tariff-driven-era-2508)