$SOL Deputy Director of the CIA: Bitcoin is a matter of national security

The comments of CIA Deputy Director, Michael Ellis, reflect the maturation of Bitcoin as an asset, but conflict with the cyberpunk philosophy.

The U.S. Central Intelligence Agency is increasingly incorporating Bitcoin

BTC

85,779 €

as a tool in its operations, and working with the cryptocurrency is a matter of national security, said Michael Ellis, the agency's deputy director, to podcast host Anthony Pompliano.

In an appearance on the market analyst and investor's program, Ellis told Pompliano that the intelligence agency works with law enforcement to track BTC, and it is a data collection point in counterintelligence operations. Ellis added:

"Bitcoin is here to stay - the cryptocurrency is here to stay. As you know, more and more institutions are adopting it, and I think it's a great trend. One that this administration has obviously leaned into".

"It's another area of competition where we need to ensure that the United States is well positioned against China and other adversaries," said Ellis.