At the CPAC conference on February 20, Michael Saylor, the founder of MicroStrategy and now CEO of Strategy, made a bold call for the U.S. to purchase 20% of the total Bitcoin network, describing it as a strategic move for the country’s economic future. Saylor, who is an influential advocate for Bitcoin, emphasized that the U.S. could easily acquire such a stake, which would equate to about 4 million BTC—worth approximately $392 billion at current market prices.
A New U.S. Reserve: Bitcoin Over Oil?
Saylor’s remarks highlighted the potential for Bitcoin to play a significant role in strengthening the U.S. economy, suggesting that ownership of a substantial portion of the Bitcoin network would boost the U.S. dollar, enrich the nation, and even help pay off the national debt. He illustrated this idea by snapping his fingers and saying, “The dollar would strengthen, the nation would be enriched,” if the U.S. seized this opportunity.
At today’s Bitcoin prices, 4 million BTC would represent a massive investment—one that dwarfs the value of the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve, which holds around 395 million barrels of oil valued at just $29 billion.
Saylor also warned of the risks of inaction, stating that if the U.S. does not take the lead in acquiring Bitcoin, other countries like Saudi Arabia, Russia, China, or European nations could beat it to the punch. He argued that a failure to act would leave the U.S. at a disadvantage in this emerging financial landscape.
Bitcoin: A Unique Asset with No Issuer
When asked about the potential for including other cryptocurrencies in a U.S. strategic reserve, Saylor remained firm in his support for Bitcoin, stating, “Bitcoin is a commodity, an asset without an issuer,” emphasizing its inherent security and independence from any government or corporation. He also noted that Bitcoin’s decentralized nature makes it immune to corruption, a quality that sets it apart from other digital assets.
Saylor’s commentary also delved into the larger implications of Bitcoin in the digital age. He argued that Bitcoin offers a way for small companies and individuals to compete against monopolies and tech giants. Referring to Bitcoin’s creator, Satoshi Nakamoto, he said, “Satoshi gave us a way out of a conundrum… a strategy that makes a small company big and powerful and makes an individual more powerful than the state.”
Saylor’s company, Strategy, remains the largest corporate holder of Bitcoin, with nearly 480,000 BTC in its portfolio—worth approximately $47 billion. The firm’s investment strategy has paid off, with a 51% profit—roughly $16 billion—on its purchases. This increase in value has also contributed to a remarkable 360% growth in its share price over the past year.
The Future of Money: Digital and Decentralized
Saylor concluded by discussing the broader trend of capital flowing into cyberspace, with digital assets like Bitcoin set to become the future of money. As global capital shifts from physical to digital, he argued that Bitcoin would become the preferred method of transaction, particularly for digital AIs and those who cannot access traditional banking services.
As the U.S. and other nations grapple with the future of digital currency, Saylor’s call for a strategic Bitcoin reserve has added fuel to the growing debate about the role of cryptocurrencies in national economies.
