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Bold Bitcoin Bet: Trump Ally Proposes Gold for Crypto Swap

Wesley ParkSaturday, Nov 23, 2024 5:38 am ET
4min read
In a surprising turn of events, a close ally of President-elect Donald Trump has proposed a bold plan to sell a portion of the Federal Reserve's gold reserves and use the proceeds to acquire 1 million Bitcoin. The proposal, backed by Wyoming Republican Senator Cynthia Lummis, aims to establish a strategic Bitcoin reserve for the U.S. without increasing the national debt.

The move aligns with former President Trump's reported interest in establishing a strategic Bitcoin reserve, signaling a potential shift in U.S. foreign exchange reserves. The plan, if enacted, could significantly impact both the gold and Bitcoin markets, as well as the perception of Bitcoin as a store of value and a potential safe haven.



The proposed sale of Federal Reserve gold reserves to acquire Bitcoin could have significant impacts on the U.S. economy and the gold market. With the Fed's gold holdings valued at $11 billion on the balance sheet but a market value of approximately $675 billion, selling a fraction of this gold could enable the U.S. to acquire Bitcoin without significantly diminishing gold reserves. However, the gold market could experience downward pressure due to increased supply, affecting gold prices and investor sentiment.



A government-backed Bitcoin reserve, derived from selling Federal Reserve gold, presents potential benefits but also security concerns. The proposed plan aims to acquire 1 million Bitcoin, representing roughly 5% of the total supply, at an estimated cost of $90 billion. This move could significantly expand the US government's Bitcoin holdings, currently around 200,000 tokens, but raises questions about the security and manageability of such a reserve.

To mitigate potential risks, the government should invest in robust security infrastructure, such as multi-signature wallets and cold storage, similar to that used by private crypto exchanges. Furthermore, the government should engage with reputable technology providers to ensure the security and manageability of the Bitcoin reserve.

The BITCOIN Act, proposed by Senator Lummis, faces several regulatory and political hurdles. It requires a majority vote in both the Senate and House of Representatives, followed by President Trump's approval. The Federal Reserve's gold sales also require congressional approval, which may face resistance from lawmakers concerned about the U.S. losing its gold reserves. Additionally, the SEC and other regulatory bodies may scrutinize the bill, potentially introducing further delays or modifications.

Despite these challenges, strong bipartisan support and Trump's influence could smooth the passage of the BITCOIN Act. Upon enactment, the bill could drive significant market activity, potentially increasing Bitcoin's price as investors react to the government's large-scale buying. The bill is expected to introduce positive market sentiment, potentially raising Bitcoin's price and driving trading volume.

In conclusion, the proposed sale of Federal Reserve gold reserves to acquire 1 million Bitcoin presents a bold and innovative approach to expanding the U.S. government's Bitcoin holdings. While the plan faces regulatory and political hurdles, its enactment could have significant impacts on the gold and Bitcoin markets, as well as the perception of Bitcoin as a store of value and a potential safe haven. As the transition to a pro-crypto economy gains momentum, the BITCOIN Act offers an intriguing glimpse into the future of digital assets and their role in global finance.
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