Scott Bessent told Congress the government cannot bail out Bitcoin or compel bank purchases, even as Trump’s strategic reserve boosts seized holdings from $500 million to $15 billion.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent informed Congress that the federal government cannot legally bail out Bitcoin or force banks to buy it, underscoring strict limits on U.S. intervention in digital asset markets. Speaking at a congressional hearing, Bessent confirmed that Bitcoin held in the government's strategic reserve—established under President Donald Trump—has grown from $500 million to $15 billion through seized assets. Despite this increase, he stressed that private banks cannot be compelled to support the Bitcoin market, reinforcing the separation between government-held cryptocurrency and private sector investment activities.