Bitcoin News Today: U.S. Marshals Service Holds 28,988 Bitcoins, Down 85.6% From Estimates

The U.S. Marshals Service has disclosed that it currently holds 28,988 Bitcoins, a significant decrease from earlier estimates of 200,000 BTC. This revelation has sparked discussions about the U.S. government's Bitcoin reserves and its potential impact on national crypto strategy. The disclosure was made through a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request, which confirmed the USMS's custody of the Bitcoins. The agency is responsible for managing forfeited assets, including digital currency seized during federal criminal investigations.

While the USMS provided figures on its holdings, the total Bitcoin held by other federal agencies remains unknown. Seized assets can remain with agencies such as the FBI or DEA until formally forfeited, meaning the total amount of Bitcoin in U.S. government control could exceed 28,988 BTC. However, official numbers from other agencies have not been released, leaving the exact amount of additional Bitcoin held elsewhere uncertain.

Senator Cynthia Lummis has expressed concern over the potential sale of a significant portion of U.S.-held Bitcoin. She warned that offloading more than 80% of holdings could impact the nation’s strategic position in the global digital asset space. According to her statement, such a sale may undermine the country’s long-term crypto interests. This concern comes as Bitcoin’s price surge has renewed focus on its potential role in national financial strategies. Some countries have seen their seized crypto grow to a value nearing their national debt, highlighting the potential benefits of retaining Bitcoin holdings.

The situation arrives amid ongoing legislative developments. The GENIUS Act, supported by Donald Trump, seeks to advance digital asset use in government policy. If passed, the act could position the U.S. to adopt Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies in new ways, potentially affecting national debt management strategies. The FOIA report shows a sharp reduction from the previously estimated 200,000 BTC, raising questions about the U.S. government's approach to managing its digital assets.