Important takeaways
- Coinbase supports the idea of a US Bitcoin reserve, emphasizing its role in the next global economic arms race as crypto adoption accelerates.
- The betting markets indicate a significant likelihood of the Trump administration considering the reserve until 2026.
Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong has supported the concept of a US strategic Bitcoin reserve, describing the initiative in a blog posts shared exclusively with Axios ahead of Trump’s second inauguration.
Armstrong, who heads the nation’s largest crypto exchange, emphasized Bitcoin’s role in global economic competition and urged the United States to consider holding Bitcoin as a strategic reserve.
The proposal marks Coinbase’s first official approach to the concept.
Gaming markets are showing growing confidence in the initiative’s potential implementation.
Kalshi, an American derivatives exchange, indicates a 63% probability that Trump will create a Bitcoin reserve in 2026, while Polymarket users estimate 40% chance of establishment within their first 100 days of service.
Sources confirm that Armstrong has held two private meetings with Trump to discuss crypto-related issues. The details remain unknown, although Trump has reportedly expressed great interest in Armstrong’s proposal.
Coinbase, valued at $73 billion, has emerged as a significant voice in Washington’s crypto policy discussions.
The company funds Fairshake, a network of political action committees that influence congressional elections, and supports Stand With Crypto, an advocacy group with over two million members.
“Crypto adoption and use has reached escape velocity,” Armstrong said, championing deregulation, technological innovation and small government as key drivers of economic growth.
His recommendations include establishing special economic zones and regulatory sandboxes to promote digital asset innovation.
Faryar Shirzad, Coinbase’s chief policy officer, emphasized the company’s focus on clear market structure, particularly regarding CFTC and SEC roles.
A digital assets bill addressing these issues reached the Senate last year, marking a significant milestone for the industry.
