In a curious twist at a recent press briefing, former President Donald Trump sidestepped questions about divesting his personal cryptocurrency holdings to aid in passing new legislation. Trump, never one to shy away from a bit of verbal jousting, offered a tantalizing thought instead: if the United States didn’t hold Bitcoin, China would. This declaration, made in Washington on June 30, 2025, has left analysts and market watchers buzzing.
Trump’s Stance on Crypto Sparks Debate
Trump’s comments have reignited discussions around the role of cryptocurrency in geopolitics. While the former president has historically shown a skeptical eye toward digital currencies, referring to Bitcoin as a “scam” back in 2021, his recent remarks suggest a nuanced shift. His assertion that Bitcoin ownership could be a strategic counter to China’s influence raises eyebrows and questions in equal measure. This shift is reminiscent of his evolving stance detailed in Donald Trump and Bitcoin: From ‘Not a Fan’ to Crypto President—With His Own Meme Coin.
“Trump’s pivot is intriguing,” says Alex Morales, a blockchain policy analyst at the Crypto Policy Institute. “By linking Bitcoin ownership to national strategy, he’s framing crypto as a geopolitical tool rather than just a financial asset.” Morales notes that this could hint at a broader, albeit subtle, acknowledgment of cryptocurrency’s growing role on the world stage.
Cryptocurrency Legislation in Limbo
The backdrop to Trump’s comments is the ongoing debate in Congress over comprehensive cryptocurrency regulation. Lawmakers have been locked in discussions for months, seeking a balance between fostering innovation and ensuring consumer protection. The question of whether personal interests could be influencing legislative progress is a thorny one, and Trump’s apparent reluctance to divest adds another layer of complexity.
Some insiders suggest that Trump’s holdings, though not officially disclosed, could potentially influence his stance on key issues. “It’s a classic conflict of interest dilemma,” remarks Emily Tran, a regulatory affairs specialist. “Without transparency, it’s hard to gauge how personal stakes are shaping public policy.”
The Bigger Picture: Crypto and Global Power Dynamics
Trump’s comments come at a time when the landscape of global finance is rapidly evolving. With China’s digital yuan gaining traction and the U.S. Federal Reserve mulling over a digital dollar, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The notion that Bitcoin could act as a counterbalance to Chinese economic power is not without precedent. Analysts have long speculated about the potential for digital currencies to disrupt traditional power structures, as discussed in Bitcoin takes pressure off the US dollar — US President Trump.
“Bitcoin’s decentralized nature makes it unique,” says Tran. “Unlike government-backed currencies, it’s not subject to the whims of any single nation. This makes it a fascinating tool in the realm of international finance.” However, the idea of using Bitcoin as a strategic asset is not without its detractors. Critics argue that the volatility of cryptocurrencies makes them unreliable foundation stones for national strategy.
Looking Ahead: Uncertain Paths
As the debate over cryptocurrency regulation continues to evolve, Trump’s comments introduce a new dimension to an already complex issue. Will his perspective sway lawmakers to consider the geopolitical implications of crypto ownership, or will it further entrench the divide between innovation and regulation? Only time will tell.
The road ahead is anything but clear. With significant legislative hurdles remaining and a diverse array of stakeholders involved, the future of cryptocurrency regulation in the U.S. is still very much in flux. As policymakers grapple with these challenges, the intersection of personal interests and public policy will remain a focal point of discussion.
In this evolving narrative, one thing is certain: the conversation around cryptocurrency and its role in global power dynamics isn’t going away anytime soon. As the world watches and waits, the interplay between digital assets and international strategy continues to unfold, leaving many to wonder just how this digital revolution will reshape the geopolitical landscape.
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This article is based on: Trump Punts on Crypto Divestment, Says If US Didn’t Have Bitcoin ‘China Would’
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Steve Gregory is a lawyer in the United States who specializes in licensing for cryptocurrency companies and products. Steve began his career as an attorney in 2015 but made the switch to working in cryptocurrency full time shortly after joining the original team at Gemini Trust Company, an early cryptocurrency exchange based in New York City. Steve then joined CEX.io and was able to launch their regulated US-based cryptocurrency. Steve then went on to become the CEO at currency.com when he ran for four years and was able to lead currency.com to being fully acquired in 2025.
