Hayes cast doubt on the idea that the U.S. would proactively build a “strategic Bitcoin reserve,” beyond the nearly 200,000 BTC already in its possession.
The United States is unlikely to significantly increase its Bitcoin holdings, says BitMEX co-founder Arthur Hayes, citing the country’s ballooning national debt and the cultural image tied to Bitcoin investors.
In a May 1 interview, Hayes cast doubt on the idea that the U.S. would proactively build a “strategic Bitcoin reserve,” beyond the nearly 200,000 BTC already in its possession—assets primarily seized from criminal investigations such as the Silk Road and Bitfinex cases.
“The United States is a deficit country,” Hayes said. “the only way they can do a Strategic Reserve is not sell the Bitcoin they took from people, fine, that’s 200,000 Bitcoin.”
Arthur Hayes Says U.S. Bitcoin Buying Unlikely
While the U.S. government officially holds over 198,000 BTC worth more than $18 billion, Hayes believes expanding those reserves through direct purchases is politically implausible.
He said it would be difficult for any “properly elected” official to justify printing more money to buy Bitcoin.
“Especially when the popular narrative is a bunch of Bitcoin bros going to the club,” Hayes added. “Is that really what you want people to think about your policy?”
The comments come weeks after former President Donald Trump signed an executive order to establish a U.S. strategic Bitcoin reserve, sparking debate over whether the move signals long-term institutional support or is more symbolic.