President-elect Donald Trump is preparing to issue an executive order that will prioritize cryptocurrency as a national policy priority.

Set to be unveiled after his inauguration on January 20, the order will establish crypto as a strategic sector for the U.S. government. This move is expected to open doors for industry insiders to play a more significant role in shaping policy. 

According to a Bloomberg report citing sources familiar with the plans, the order will also include the creation of a crypto advisory council to advocate for the sector’s interests within the administration.

Trump plans to release an executive order elevating crypto as a policy priority and giving industry insiders a voice within his administration https://t.co/egBFjchxsO

— Bloomberg Crypto (@crypto) January 16, 2025

Breaking Away from Biden’s Crypto Scrutiny

This executive order represents a transition from the Biden administration’s approach to cryptocurrency. Over the past few years, the sector has faced significant regulatory challenges.

However, the scrutiny gained momentum following high-profile cases such as the collapse of the FTX exchange. The Securities and Exchange Commission has filed more than 100 enforcement actions against crypto companies. Meanwhile, banking regulators have made it increasingly difficult for crypto firms to operate within traditional financial systems. 

However, the Trump administration’s executive order could change the landscape by pausing ongoing litigation involving major players like Binance and Ripple Labs. Per the Bloomberg report, this shift aims to create a more favorable environment for crypto companies to thrive in the U.S. market.

US Crypto Holdings and Future Plans

Notably, the executive order will also include plans for a national Bitcoin reserve. The U.S. government currently holds nearly $20 billion worth of Bitcoin, seized during various investigations. The sources say the government is considering formalizing these holdings into a national reserve. 

This would reflect a growing acceptance of digital assets within the government’s financial framework.

Meanwhile, Trump’s administration is also willing to create an America-first strategic reserve prioritizing cryptocurrencies developed within the United States over those originating offshore. This initiative could benefit U.S.-based digital assets such as Solana, XRP, and USDC.

The reforms and considerations expected under the incoming administration have garnered significant international attention. In particular, it is prompting companies to explore opportunities to enter the U.S. market. TON Foundation, which is closely linked to Telegram Messenger, is one such example.

Global Crypto Firms Shift Sight to U.S. 

A January 14 report noted that the TON Foundation is redirecting its focus towards the United States. It cited the anticipation of a more favorable regulatory landscape under the incoming Trump administration.

Similarly, Tether Holdings is exploring potential expansion into the U.S. market. Tether’s lobbying efforts have already increased, and the company’s connection to figures like Howard Lutnick is expected to influence its strategy moving forward. Lutnick is the CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald LP, a firm that manages Tether’s U.S. Treasury holdings.