Could Bitcoin Become Part of the U.S. Economy? Trump’s Gold Card Plan Raises Questions

A new idea is gaining traction in the U.S.—using Bitcoin as part of the country’s financial reserves. A Standard Chartered analyst suggests that the government could start buying Bitcoin without using taxpayer money, a move that could reshape how the U.S. manages its wealth.

How Could the U.S. Buy Bitcoin Without Spending More Money?

Geoff Kendrick, a digital assets expert at Standard Chartered, believes the government has ways to acquire Bitcoin without adding extra costs. Some possible methods include:

• Selling a portion of the U.S. gold reserves

• Using funds from the Treasury’s Exchange Stabilization Fund (ERF), which holds $39 billion

This idea comes after Donald Trump’s latest executive order, which paves the way for a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve (SBR). The plan suggests that the U.S. could start treating Bitcoin as a valuable financial asset, similar to gold.

What Is the "Gold Card," and How Does Bitcoin Fit In?

On February 25, 2025, Trump proposed a new immigration program called the Gold Card, which would offer U.S. residency and a path to citizenship for individuals who invest $5 million. The idea is to attract wealthy investors and boost the economy.

Some industry experts believe Bitcoin could play a role in this program. David Bailey, CEO of Bitcoin Magazine, suggests that the U.S. should allow Bitcoin payments in exchange for the Gold Card.

His reasoning? Many wealthy individuals in developing countries struggle to transfer large amounts of money internationally due to strict financial regulations. If Bitcoin were accepted as a form of payment, it could provide a faster, more secure, and more discreet way for investors to qualify for U.S. residency.

Could Bitcoin Become a Major U.S. Reserve Asset?

Beyond immigration, some experts believe that holding Bitcoin as a national reserve could benefit the U.S. in other ways. Matthew Sigel, a financial analyst at VanEck U.S., cites a Deutsche Bank report that highlights potential benefits, including:

• Strengthening U.S. leadership in digital finance

• Acting as protection against inflation and the declining value of the dollar

• Increasing the country’s global financial influence

If Trump’s Strategic Bitcoin Reserve moves forward, it could mark a historic shift in how the U.S. views cryptocurrency. Bitcoin could soon be integrated into the country’s financial system, immigration policies, and global economic strategy—a move that could change how nations around the world approach digital assets.

Also Read: Utah Senate Passes Bitcoin Bill, Removes BTC Investment Plan