Quick Summary
- A new proposal suggests using a $70 billion tariff surplus to build a U.S. Bitcoin strategic reserve.
- The plan aligns with budget-neutral executive orders that let the government fund Bitcoin via unspent or reallocated resources.
- Treasury Secretary Bessent remains open to such approaches, though no purchases have been made yet.
- The initiative could use cold storage, multi-signature wallets, and proof-of-reserves with a clear cap and no trading.
- No taxpayer funds would be spent, and the plan builds on existing policy and past Bitcoin forfeitures.
The United States could add to its strategic Bitcoin reserve by using surplus revenue from trade tariffs. Adam Livingston, author of The Bitcoin Age and The Great Harvest, proposes channeling part of the tariff surplus into secure Bitcoin holdings.
As of July, customs duties reached $135.7 billion—double last year’s pace. Livingston notes that this leaves an unallocated surplus of about $70 billion, unused and not tied to programs like Medicare, debt, or entitlements. That makes it a clear candidate for building a Bitcoin reserve on a budget-neutral basis.
Livingston envisions that the Bitcoin purchase would go into cold storage, with multi-signature control, proof of reserves, and a cap on how much is used. He stresses the assets would remain untouched—they wouldn’t be traded, staked, sold, borrowed, or used for loan collateral.
Treasury Keeps Door Open to Other Funding Paths
Scott Bessent, Treasury Secretary, first said the government would not buy more Bitcoin and would rely on confiscated assets to build the reserve. But he later softened that statement, saying the Treasury is exploring budget-neutral options to expand the reserve.
President Trump issued an executive order in March 2025 to establish a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve funded with forfeited assets. The order allows for additional acquisitions only if they’re budget-neutral.
As of March 2025, the US held about 200,000 BTC from forfeitures. Agencies must report holdings and explore secure custody methods. Deadlines for proposals and legislation have passed with no public update so far.
This proposal fits that policy framework: it would use unassigned revenue to build the reserve without impacting taxpayers. It also could help secure the reserve with multi-signature wallets and proof-of-reserves tools.
Also Read: New York Proposes Crypto Tax to Fund School Programs
