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Could the United States government soon join the ranks of nations stacking Bitcoin? According to congressional candidate Bo Hines, it’s a possibility worth exploring—and he believes U.S. tariff revenue could be the funding source.
In a bold policy proposal that has sparked buzz in both political and crypto circles, Hines floated the idea of the federal government allocating a portion of tariff proceeds to purchase Bitcoin. The move, he suggests, could position the U.S. as a financial innovator while hedging against inflation and a weakening dollar.
“We should be leveraging the value generated from tariffs to invest in hard, decentralized assets like Bitcoin,” Hines stated in a recent interview. “This is about long-term sovereignty, financial security, and keeping pace with global innovation.”
A Radical but Rising Idea
While the notion may seem radical to traditional policymakers, the idea of governments holding Bitcoin isn’t new. Countries like El Salvador and, more recently, Bhutan have publicly disclosed BTC holdings. Hines’ suggestion, however, would mark the first time a major global power considers a structured Bitcoin acquisition strategy linked to trade revenue.
The concept of a “Bitcoin-backed treasury reserve” aligns with growing interest in crypto as a geopolitical asset. With persistent inflation concerns and ballooning national debt, proponents argue that Bitcoin could serve as a modern-day digital gold—offering scarcity, transparency, and resistance to censorship.
Tariff Revenue as a BTC On-Ramp?
Tariff revenue, which can generate tens of billions annually, could offer a practical channel for funding such acquisitions. While current U.S. policy sees tariffs primarily as tools for trade strategy or economic leverage, redirecting even a fraction toward digital assets could be a game-changer.
Still, the path to implementation would be complex. Legislative approval, regulatory clarity, and public support would all be required to move the proposal forward. And critics argue that crypto volatility could make Bitcoin a risky asset for public funds.
The Bigger Picture
Hines’ pitch arrives at a time when crypto is increasingly intersecting with national policy discussions. From central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) to stablecoin regulation, digital assets are no longer niche— they’re becoming a geopolitical factor.
Whether or not the U.S. ultimately puts Bitcoin on its balance sheet, the conversation marks a significant shift in how policymakers are starting to view crypto—not just as a speculative asset, but as a potential tool of national strategy.
