US Seizes $15B in Bitcoin — Strategic Reserve or Power Grab?

Market Overview & Strategic Shift - US government seized $15 billion worth of Bitcoin, equivalent to 127,000 BTC, marking the Department of Justice's largest ever crypto seizure [1] - The US government now controls over 325,000 Bitcoin, worth over $36 billion at current prices, representing approximately 1.55% of Bitcoin's total supply [6][7] - US government policy has shifted from selling seized Bitcoin to maintaining it as a strategic reserve asset [8][10] Implications & Potential Scenarios - The US government's accumulation of Bitcoin could be a legitimizing event, treating Bitcoin like digital gold and creating a massive supply shock by removing 325,000 coins from liquid circulation [10][11][12] - There's a risk of centralization, as the US government now holds 1.55% of the total Bitcoin supply, potentially leading to a highly centralized system [13][14] - A future administration hostile to crypto could liquidate the $36 billion Bitcoin stash, potentially crashing the market [15] Recommendations & Considerations - Self-custody is essential, as assets held on exchanges can be seized [18] - Bitcoin should be re-evaluated in portfolios as a legitimate macro asset [19][20] - Geopolitics now play a significant role in Bitcoin's price, requiring attention to US policy changes [20]