Did the U.S. Really Sell 85% of Its Bitcoin? Here's the Truth Behind the Numbers
A new FOIA disclosure from the U.S. Marshals Service has sparked debate across the crypto community. Headlines claimed the U.S. government sold off over 85% of its BTC holdings — but is that accurate?
Let’s break it down:
What the FOIA Report Reveals:
The U.S. Marshals currently hold 28,988 BTC, valued at ~$3.4B.
This represents only the Bitcoin officially forfeited and under Marshals custody — not all seized BTC across federal agencies.
Why the “85% Sold” Narrative Is Misleading:
Prior estimates (~200K BTC) included coins seized but not yet forfeited — legally not owned by the government.
No evidence of large-scale sales has been found on-chain.
Key Takeaway: This is an accounting shift, not a liquidation event. The U.S. didn’t secretly sell most of its Bitcoin — the numbers simply reflect what's under the Marshals’ official control.
Policy Spotlight: Senator Cynthia Lummis expressed concern, calling for more transparency and suggesting the U.S. should treat Bitcoin as a strategic reserve asset.
What It Means for Crypto:
No major BTC selloff = no immediate market impact.
Highlights the need for clear reporting around seized vs. forfeited digital assets.
Fuels ongoing conversation about Bitcoin in national reserves.
Stay informed. Stay ahead.
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