Bitcoin News Today: U.S. Delays Bitcoin Reserve as Nations Sprint to Claim Digital Gold

The U.S. government is unlikely to initiate its Strategic Bitcoin Reserve until other nations demonstrate significant accumulation of the cryptocurrency, according to crypto entrepreneur Mike Alfred. This reactive approach has sparked concerns among industry leaders that the world's largest economy risks falling behind in the global race to adopt Bitcoin as a strategic asset. While President Donald Trump's March executive order laid the groundwork for a budget-neutral Bitcoin reserve, the initiative remains unactivated, leaving the U.S. in a wait-and-see stance as countries like Pakistan and El Salvador advance their digital asset strategies.

Alfred, a frequent commentator on Bitcoin's macroeconomic role, argues that external pressure from global competitors will be the catalyst for U.S. action. "The government will only accelerate its plans when there is enough pressure externally," he stated in a recent podcast, noting that Washington tends to respond swiftly when geopolitical rivals gain an advantage. This hesitancy contrasts with the urgency expressed by analysts like Galaxy Digital's Alex Thorn, who said there is a "strong chance" the U.S. will announce its Bitcoin holdings by year-end according to recent reports.

The U.S.'s cautious stance reflects broader challenges in navigating regulatory uncertainties and political debates over cryptocurrency's role in national finance. Critics warn that delaying accumulation could result in higher costs and reduced geopolitical influence as early adopters secure Bitcoin at lower prices. Samson Mow has repeatedly urged the U.S. to act immediately, cautioning that nations like Pakistan are already positioning themselves to outpace America in digital asset adoption.

Despite the delay, Bitcoin's trajectory as a strategic reserve asset appears inevitable. Alfred predicts the cryptocurrency could reach $1 million by 2033, a timeline slightly more conservative than forecasts from Cathie Wood of ARK Invest and Coinbase's Brian Armstrong. By that time, he expects most governments to hold Bitcoin directly or indirectly, treating it akin to gold.

This view is echoed by the Czech Republic, which recently launched a $1 million test portfolio of Bitcoin, stablecoins, and tokenized deposits, signaling its intent to explore digital assets for official reserves.

Meanwhile, other nations are fast-tracking integration. The Marshall Islands debuted a blockchain-based Universal Basic Income (UBI) program using its USDM1 stablecoin, while El Salvador continues to solidify Bitcoin's role as legal tender. These moves amplify pressure on the U.S. to clarify its strategy, particularly as the Marshall Islands' government defends its digital initiatives despite warnings from the International Monetary Fund over macroeconomic risks.

The U.S. isn't entirely absent from the conversation. New Hampshire recently became the first state to approve a Bitcoin-backed municipal bond, leveraging BTC as collateral to fund public projects. This innovation, coupled with Trump's executive order, underscores growing institutional interest in Bitcoin's utility. However, the lack of federal action leaves the nation vulnerable to a fragmented approach, with states and private entities filling the void.

As global adoption accelerates, the U.S. faces a critical juncture. While Alfred acknowledges progress in Bitcoin acceptance-citing Trump's executive order as a meaningful step-he emphasizes that "progress is not enough" if Washington waits too long according to analysts. With Bitcoin's market capitalization hovering near $91 billion and volatility persisting, the window for strategic positioning narrows. Whether the U.S. will lead or follow in this digital gold rush remains an open question, but the pace of global competition leaves little room for indefinite delay.