US Government Missed $17B by Selling Bitcoin Early
The US government sold 195,000 BTC for $366M, missing out on $17B in potential value, says Trump's crypto advisor David Sacks.
- The US government sold 195,000 BTC for just $366 million.
- If held, the BTC would be worth over $17 billion today.
- Trump’s crypto czar David Sacks highlights this missed opportunity.
David Sacks, a key crypto advisor to Donald Trump, recently revealed a staggering misstep by the US government in handling Bitcoin. According to Sacks, the federal government sold approximately 195,000 BTC over the past decade, netting a total of $366 million. However, had the government held onto this Bitcoin, its value would have skyrocketed to over $17 billion today.
This revelation underscores the massive growth of Bitcoin and highlights the government’s lack of long-term vision when dealing with digital assets.
A $17 Billion Miscalculation
The US government often seizes Bitcoin through law enforcement actions, particularly in cases involving illicit activities. Instead of holding onto these assets, the government has historically auctioned them off at relatively low prices.
For example, in 2014, the government sold 30,000 BTC confiscated from the Silk Road marketplace. At that time, Bitcoin was trading at just a few hundred dollars per coin. Today, that same Bitcoin would be worth over $2 billion. Similar auctions have taken place over the years, significantly undervaluing Bitcoin’s long-term potential.
BREAKING: 🇺🇸 Trump’s crypto czar David Sacks says, “Over the past decade, the federal government sold approximately 195,000 bitcoin for proceeds of $366 million.”
— Bitcoin Magazine (@BitcoinMagazine) March 6, 2025
“If the government had held the bitcoin, it would be worth over $17 billion today.” pic.twitter.com/g4vk2iZIdc
Could Policy Change Under Trump?
With Trump signaling a more pro-crypto stance, the question remains whether a future administration would rethink its approach to handling seized digital assets. If Bitcoin continues its upward trajectory, holding onto these assets could prove to be a smarter financial move rather than selling them prematurely.
Sacks’ remarks highlight the importance of long-term thinking in crypto policy. As Bitcoin adoption grows and institutional interest surges, the government may need to reconsider its approach to digital assets.
