Bitcoin has emerged not only as a decentralized digital currency but as a powerful geopolitical asset, sparking fierce debates and actions at the state level. From bold calls to accumulate Bitcoin to significant regrets over missed opportunities, a Bitcoin ownership war is unfolding among nations.
Michael Saylor’s Vision: A U.S.-Led Bitcoin Network
In a recent appearance on Yahoo! Finance, Michael Saylor, the founder of MicroStrategy, made a striking proposal: the U.S. government should control 20-25% of the Bitcoin network . “Dump all of its gold, purposefully crashing its price, and use the proceeds to acquire approximately 5 million BTC,” Saylor suggested. He positioned Bitcoin as the “world’s reserve capital network” and urged central bankers to shift focus from gold to Bitcoin as a store of value.
Saylor argued that embracing Bitcoin could secure the U.S.’s position as the leader of the global financial system, while also encouraging rival nations like China and Russia to invest in BTC. His comments reflect growing sentiment that Bitcoin is more than just a speculative asset—it’s a strategic tool for global influence.
However, we do not wish for any nation, including the U.S., to control the majority of Bitcoin. Bitcoin should remain decentralized and not be dominated by any single entity.
Europe’s Bitcoin Awakening: Sarah Knafo Speaks Out
European Parliament member Sarah Knafo has also made waves by calling for a “Strategic Bitcoin Reserve” for the European Union. In a passionate speech, she contrasted Bitcoin’s decentralized promise with the European Central Bank’s plans for a digital euro, which she criticized as a tool for centralized control.
“No to the digital euro, yes to a strategic Bitcoin reserve,” she declared in an X post. Knafo cited El Salvador’s Bitcoin success story under President Nayib Bukele as evidence of its transformative potential. The Central American nation, initially ridiculed for adopting Bitcoin as legal tender, now boasts significant returns, strengthening its economy and attracting record-breaking private investments.
Knafo warned that Europe risks falling behind as the U.S. accelerates its crypto initiatives. “It’s time to say no to the totalitarian temptations of the ECB… and yes to protecting our people from inflation and poor economic choices,” she asserted.
Germany’s Regret: The Cost of Selling Bitcoin Early
Germany’s recent experience serves as a cautionary tale. In July, the government sold nearly 50,000 bitcoins seized from criminal activities at an average price of $53,000, netting $2.8 billion. However, with Bitcoin’s recent surge to over $106,000, the same holdings would now be worth $5.3 billion. That’s a staggering $2.5 billion in missed profits.
The sale, conducted under legal requirements tied to asset value fluctuations, has sparked debate about Europe’s Bitcoin strategy. German MP Joana Cotar voiced concerns about the U.S. potentially making Bitcoin a strategic reserve asset, suggesting that Europe might need to follow suit.
El Salvador’s Bold Gamble Pays Off
El Salvador, the first nation to adopt Bitcoin as legal tender, has defied critics with its remarkable returns. With over 6,000 BTC in its treasury, the country has seen a $24.5 million profit, boosting its economy and attracting historic private investments. President Nayib Bukele’s decision to accumulate one Bitcoin per day since November 2022 demonstrates a long-term commitment to the digital asset.
The success story has inspired leaders like Knafo to advocate for national Bitcoin reserves, framing Bitcoin as a hedge against inflation and an opportunity to foster economic resilience.
The Bitcoin Arms Race
As Bitcoin’s value continues to rise, nations are grappling with its strategic implications. The U.S. government, which has seized over 200,000 BTC from criminal activities, appears to be holding its assets, signaling a potential shift in policy . Meanwhile, other countries like El Salvador have reaped rewards from early adoption, while nations like Germany are learning costly lessons from premature sales.
Sarah Knafo’s rallying cry for Europe to establish a strategic Bitcoin reserve underscores the urgency of this moment. Whether through accumulation, regulation, or innovation, nations are positioning themselves in the Bitcoin ownership war. In this unfolding competition, Bitcoin is no longer just a cryptocurrency—it’s a geopolitical game-changer.
