Tether Pushes Back Against Bitcoin Sale Speculation

Tether, the issuer of the $143 billion USDT stablecoin, firmly denied speculation of selling its Bitcoin (BTC) holdings on September 7, 2025, quashing rumors that sparked market unease. CEO Paolo Ardoino clarified via X that Tether did not sell any of its 100,521 BTC, valued at $11.17 billion, countering claims by analyst Clive Thompson. Thompson had pointed to a Q2 2025 drop from 92,650 BTC to 83,274 BTC in BDO attestations, suggesting a sell-off to fund gold purchases.

Samson Mow, CEO of Jan3, debunked this, noting that 19,800 BTC were transferred to Tether’s investment vehicle, Twenty One Capital (XXI), with 14,000 BTC moved in June and 5,800 in July, resulting in a net gain of 10,424 BTC. Ardoino emphasized Tether’s “mega bullish” stance on Bitcoin, alongside gold and land investments, as a hedge against economic uncertainty.

This swift response stabilizes investor confidence, reinforcing Tether’s transparency through quarterly BDO reports. The firm’s $113 billion in U.S. Treasury holdings and $8.7 billion in gold further bolster USDT’s backing, critical amid regulatory scrutiny under Europe’s MiCA and U.S. GENIUS Act.

Analysts highlight that such rumors, often amplified on social media, can trigger volatility in Bitcoin’s $111,000 price range. Tether’s clarification mitigates panic, supporting market stability. With $157.6 billion in assets and a $13 billion profit in 2024, Tether’s robust reserves underscore its pivotal role in DeFi. Investors should monitor ongoing attestations and regulatory developments for continued trust in the stablecoin giant.