Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong has backed the concept of a US strategic Bitcoin reserve, detailing the initiative in a blog post shared exclusively with Axios ahead of Trump’s second inauguration.
Armstrong, who leads the nation’s largest crypto exchange, emphasized Bitcoin’s role in global economic competition and urged the US to consider holding Bitcoin as a strategic reserve.
The proposal marks Coinbase’s first official stance on the concept.
Betting markets show growing confidence in the initiative’s potential implementation.
Kalshi, a US derivatives exchange, indicates a 63% probability of Trump creating a Bitcoin reserve by 2026, while Polymarket users estimate a 40% chance of establishment within his first 100 days in office.
Sources confirm Armstrong has held two private meetings with Trump to discuss crypto-related matters. The specifics remain undisclosed, though Trump reportedly expressed strong interest in Armstrong’s proposals.
Coinbase, valued at $73 billion, has emerged as a significant voice in Washington’s crypto policy discussions.
The company funds Fairshake, a political action committee network influencing Congressional elections, and supports Stand With Crypto, an advocacy group with over two million members.
“Crypto adoption and usage has reached escape velocity,” Armstrong stated, advocating for deregulation, technological innovation, and small government as key economic growth drivers.
His recommendations include establishing special economic zones and regulatory sandboxes to foster digital asset innovation.
Faryar Shirzad, Coinbase’s policy chief, emphasized the company’s focus on market structure clarity, 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.