18 On Wednesday, the White House unveiled its long-anticipated crypto policy report—yet one key element was notably absent: an actionable plan for a Bitcoin (BTC) reserve. Spanning 166 pages, the document outlines a wide array of recommendations across the digital asset space, including proposals on banking regulations, stablecoin oversight, and strategies to combat illicit activity. However, despite referencing the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve that was introduced in March, the report fails to offer any updates or expansion on that initiative. For Bitcoin advocates, the silence on this issue was glaring. Many had anticipated a proactive stance from the U.S. government—potentially one that mirrors El Salvador’s approach, where Bitcoin is accumulated as part of a national reserve strategy. While many in the broader crypto community welcomed the report for bringing regulatory clarity, others saw the lack of progress on the Bitcoin reserve as a missed opportunity. Some experts warn that the U.S. risks falling behind other nations in adopting decentralized financial systems if action isn’t taken soon. White House Crypto Report Falls Short on Bitcoin Reserve Plans Back on January 23, just three days into his presidency, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order establishing the President’s Working Group on Digital Asset Markets. The group was given 180 days to develop a comprehensive policy framework for the evolving crypto space. As the deadline approached, industry watchers were optimistic that the White House would unveil an ambitious strategy—including progress on the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve. Enthusiasts had hoped for bold moves that would affirm Bitcoin’s role as a legitimate national asset. Instead, the final report fell short of these expectations. While Bitcoin is frequently mentioned—credited for igniting the digital asset revolution—the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve receives just one passing reference, tucked near the document’s end. Worse still, that mention offers no fresh insights. It simply repeats details from the March 6 executive order that initially proposed the reserve, offering no clarity on next steps or any new commitment to build upon it. Frustration Within the Bitcoin Community The omission has sparked frustration among Bitcoin supporters. Industry leaders expressed concern that the lack of direction on a potential reserve could undermine U.S. competitiveness on the global stage. Many expected a roadmap—or at least a signal of intent. Some industry voices called it a “missed opportunity” and criticized the ambiguity in the report. They argue that uncertainty could discourage investment and innovation in the U.S. market. Others labeled the report as another letdown by policymakers, suggesting that the absence of firm action on Bitcoin reflects a broader lack of understanding or urgency within government circles. A Glimmer of Optimism Despite the disappointment, some in the digital asset space found reasons to remain hopeful. The fact that Bitcoin was featured prominently in the report was seen by a few as a win in itself. Some experts pointed out that Bitcoin’s inclusion and separate treatment from other cryptocurrencies indicate a shift in perception at the federal level. This subtle recognition could lay the groundwork for more favorable policies in the future. They argue that acknowledging Bitcoin as a unique asset class—distinct from altcoins, stablecoins, and other digital tokens—could mark the beginning of a longer-term strategy to elevate its role in national economic planning.
