Bitcoin News Today: U.S. Gov’t Bitcoin Holdings Stable at $24.26B Amid Inactivity and Data Discrepancy

The U.S. government maintains a digital asset portfolio valued at $24.26 billion, with 198,012 Bitcoin (BTC) representing the largest portion at $23.49 billion, according to on-chain analytics firm Arkham Intelligence. No movements have been detected in the government’s primary cryptocurrency wallets for over four months, despite ongoing market fluctuations [1]. This inactivity includes significant holdings of Ethereum (ETH), Tether (USDT), and wrapped Bitcoin (WBTC), with Ethereum alone valued at $205.23 million and 59,951 ETH. Tether holdings amount to $347.45 million, and wrapped Bitcoin is valued at $89 million [1].

A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request filed in March revealed a notable discrepancy between on-chain data and official records. The U.S. Marshals Service, responsible for managing seized crypto assets, reported holding only 28,988 BTC ($3.4 billion), far below the 198,000 BTC estimated by Arkham and other blockchain analytics platforms [1]. This divergence highlights challenges in verifying government crypto holdings due to fragmented agency data and the secrecy of asset seizure processes. The U.S. Treasury confirmed in March that a new executive order has centralized digital assets under its purview, creating the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve for BTC and a U.S. Digital Asset Stockpile for non-Bitcoin assets [1].

The executive order mandates that federal agencies transfer seized crypto to the Treasury, which will manage their disposition through structured auctions. However, no large-scale sales have occurred since April 2025, contradicting earlier speculation about a potential $20 billion liquidation event. Blockchain data platforms such as ChainCatcher have dismissed these rumors as “misleading,” noting no outflows from government wallets since late 2024 [2]. Senator Cynthia Lummis recently criticized the government’s approach, stating that over 80% of U.S. Bitcoin reserves appear to have been sold, a claim Arkham’s analysis has yet to corroborate [1].

The inactivity of these assets suggests a strategic focus on preserving value amid regulatory uncertainty. While some agencies, such as the FBI and IRS, retain seized Bitcoin through controlled auction processes, the Treasury’s centralized reserves remain untouched. This cautious approach aligns with efforts to minimize market volatility, as large-scale government sales could destabilize crypto markets. Analysts note that the Treasury’s strategy emphasizes time-sensitive auctions rather than abrupt liquidations, though concrete implementation details remain absent [1].

On-chain analytics play a critical role in monitoring these holdings, with platforms like Arkham offering real-time transparency. The contrast between FOIA disclosures and blockchain data underscores the need for standardized reporting mechanisms. As the U.S. government navigates its role in the crypto ecosystem, its handling of seized digital assets will likely influence broader regulatory frameworks and market perceptions [1].

Sources:

[1] [Bitcoin News Today: U.S. Government Bitcoin Holdings Stable] (https://www.ainvest.com/news/bitcoin-news-today-government-bitcoin-holdings-stable-198-000-btc-debunking-20b-liquidation-rumors-2507/)

[2] [U.S. Government Retains 198,000 BTC Amid Rumor Denials] (https://coincu.com/news/us-holds-198000-btc-no-sales/)