Can Trump do it and what would it mean?

Former US president Donald Trump is rumored to be planning to announce his desire to make Bitcoin a “strategic reserve asset” during an upcoming crypto conference, a move that could significantly impact the digital asset’s global status and value.

CryptoSlate reported the potential for this move on July 4 after Bitcoin SoftWar author Jason P Lowery replied cryptically to the topic after confirming Trump’s team had contacted him. Lowery has now deleted all tweets related to Bitcoin and Trump, something he is known for doing. 

Former US President Donald Trump is slated to deliver a keynote speech at the Bitcoin 2024 Conference in Nashville from July 25-27, sparking speculation about a potential game-changing announcement. Dennis Porter, co-founder of the Satoshi Action Fund, claims to have received information from credible sources suggesting that Trump may unveil Bitcoin as a strategic reserve asset for the United States.

This rumored move represents a significant shift from Trump’s previous anti-crypto stance, aligning with his recent pro-bitcoin rhetoric and the addition of crypto-friendly Senator JD Vance as his potential vice-presidential candidate for the 2024 election.

Is there precedent for Bitcoin as a reserve asset?

The concept of reserve assets has evolved significantly over time, with various commodities and currencies serving this role throughout history. Gold played a central role as a reserve asset for centuries, underpinning the global monetary system until the collapse of the Bretton Woods system in the early 1970s. In the modern era, foreign currency reserves, particularly US dollars, have become the predominant form of reserve assets for most countries.

The shift from commodity-based to fiat currency reserves reflected changing economic realities and the need for more adaptable monetary policies. Historical experience suggests that when certain assets are designated as stores of liquidity, institutions tend to accumulate them during crises, potentially affecting market functioning.

The collapse of the Bretton Woods system marked the end of the post-World War II era of fixed exchange rates and ushered in a new period of floating rates and increased financial globalization. While it created challenges, it also allowed for greater flexibility in international monetary policy and helped economies adjust to external shocks like the 1970s oil crises.

The impact of making Bitcoin a reserve asset

The US government currently holds a…