US Bitcoin Reserve Progress Hindered by Legal Obstacles Now.

Witt said agencies including the Department of Justice and the Office of Legal Counsel are examining which authorities permit reserve actions. He said, “It seems straightforward, but then you get into some obscure legal provisions, and why this agency can’t do it, but actually, this other agency could. We’re continuing to push on that. It is certainly still on the priority list right now.”

The executive order restricts the government from selling any of its Bitcoin and allows additions only from assets seized in forfeiture cases. A chart of the U.S. government’s crypto holdings in dollar terms has been shared publicly by researchers at Arkham Intelligence.

Some in the Bitcoin community have criticized the move as insufficient. Justin Bechler wrote on social media, “The belief that the federal government will one day build a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve requires a complete detachment from reality. There is no movement toward a Bitcoin reserve. There is no intention to acquire a fixed-supply asset in good faith. There are only empty speeches, vague references and opportunistic pandering from Washington politicians,” he posted on X. Other reactions circulated online including commentary and images.

A July 2025 government report on digital assets did not add operational details contained in the administration’s report. In August 2025, U.S. Treasury official Scott Bessent proposed budget‑neutral approaches for acquiring Bitcoin, renewing discussion about ways the government might lawfully add to a reserve without increasing the deficit.