The United States remains reluctant to adopt a national cryptocurrency reserve strategy, despite the growing global acceptance of cryptocurrencies. While countries worldwide explore integrating Bitcoin $106,958 into official reserves, U.S. institutions maintain a cautious stance. “Shark Tank” star and investor Kevin O’Leary expressed skepticism about such a plan ever materializing. However, he acknowledges that stablecoin regulation could lay the groundwork for the widespread adoption of a digital dollar by reducing global transaction costs.
Kevin O’Leary Criticizes the Reserve Proposal
O’Leary harshly dismissed the U.S. Strategic Bitcoin Reserve proposal with the assertion it “will never happen.” Highlighting its lack of bipartisan support in Congress, he openly criticized MicroStrategy CEO Michael Saylor, a prominent proponent of the initiative. According to O’Leary, Saylor uses the reserve discussion merely as a promotional gimmick for his book.
Describing the proposal as insincere, O’Leary pointed to self-serving advocates prioritizing their interests, saying there’s no realistic strategy underpinning the initiative. Despite his criticisms, O’Leary emphasized the importance of stablecoin regulation, predicting that new laws might reduce global transaction fees and expedite digital dollar usage. These insights align with the cryptocurrency market‘s expectations for lowering transactional costs.
Deep Divisions Between U.S. Senate and Experts
Senator Cynthia Lummis’s introduction of the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Bill drew mixed responses from state governments. While North Carolina supported a similar proposal, Oklahoma firmly rejected it. The split within Congress obstructs national acceptance of the bill.
Economists also disagree on Bitcoin’s role as a national reserve asset. A recent survey from the University of Chicago revealed ongoing concerns about volatility and uncertain monetary policies among experts. Bitcoin’s fluctuating nature is seen as conflicting with traditional reserve mechanisms.
On the other hand, SkyBridge Capital founder Anthony Scaramucci backed the bill, asserting potential positive economic impacts. Technology entrepreneur David Sacks urged a non-partisan approach, cautioning that without it, there could be reversals in the future.
Saylor’s company, Strategy, with its accumulation of 555,450 BTC, reflects this debate in practice. Globally, El Salvador has embraced Bitcoin as a reserve, whereas the European Central Bank responded with a definitive “no.”
Discussions on cryptocurrency reserves continue to be a significant topic in the U.S. and on the international stage, projecting as a pivotal agenda in the coming period.