Cryptocurrency and blockchain did not appear in Donald Trump’s latest national security strategy, even though the president has repeatedly said he wants the United States to become a global leader in crypto.
The new strategy document, released on Friday, outlines the administration’s top national priorities. It focuses heavily on artificial intelligence and quantum computing, describing them as “core, vital national interests” for the country.
The administration stated that the U.S. aims to ensure that American technology and standards in AI, biotech, and quantum computing guide global development. Crypto, however, received no direct mention.
This omission is notable given Trump’s recent comments. In an interview with CBS’ 60 Minutes, he said he did not want China to “be number one in the world in crypto” and previously claimed he wants all Bitcoin mining to take place within the United States.
Senior officials have also stressed crypto’s strategic importance. In May, CIA Deputy Director Michael Ellis said that cryptocurrency was another area of technological competition where the U.S. must stay ahead of China and other rivals.
There is only one indirect reference to digital assets in the national security strategy. The document says the administration wants to preserve and expand “America’s financial sector dominance,” using U.S. leadership in digital finance and innovation to strengthen market liquidity and security. Some analysts interpret this as a subtle nod toward crypto.
Trump Has Advanced Several Crypto Policies
Despite the omission in the strategy paper, the Trump administration has taken multiple steps to support the crypto sector this year. The president signed the GENIUS Act, which regulates stablecoins, into law. He also issued executive orders to create a federal crypto task force and ban a U.S. central bank digital currency. In addition, federal agencies have pulled back from several crypto enforcement actions.
The administration has also established a national Bitcoin reserve made up of forfeited digital assets, and officials are exploring ways to grow it without increasing government spending.
Bitcoin traded below $90,000 over the weekend as investors assessed the implications of the national security strategy. The document calls on U.S. allies to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP, up from the current 2%. Such a change could require more government borrowing, which may add inflationary pressure and make it harder for central banks to cut interest rates.
The Federal Reserve’s interest rate decision this week remains the key driver for crypto markets. Investors widely expect a rate cut, which historically boosts appetite for risk assets.
CME’s FedWatch tool shows that roughly 88.5% of market participants expect a 25-basis-point cut when the Fed meets on Tuesday and Wednesday.
