US Bitcoin Reserves Near 198K BTC, No Evidence of 80% Sell-Off
A recent FOIA response showed the US Marshals Service holds just 28,988 BTC, fueling rumors of an 80% sell-off of US Bitcoin reserves. However, on-chain data from Arkham Intelligence confirms that other federal agencies still control about 198,012 BTC (≈$23.5 billion), meaning total US Bitcoin reserves remain intact. There is no evidence of a large government sale. A March executive order by former President Trump mandates that forfeited digital assets stay in a strategic reserve under the US Treasury. The broader federal crypto portfolio also includes 347 million USDT, 59,951 ETH (≈$202 million), 750 WBTC (≈$89 million) and 40,293 BNB (≈$29 million). Bitcoin trades near $118,360, and the clarification helps stabilize market sentiment around US Bitcoin reserves.
Neutral
This clarification eliminates fears of a massive government Bitcoin sell-off, reducing downside volatility and preventing panic-driven price drops. In the short term, traders gain confidence as rumors are dispelled, stabilizing Bitcoin’s market. Long term, the Trump-era executive order on strategic reserves underscores sustained federal holdings, offering steady support but no immediate upward price pressure. Overall, the impact is neutral, as the news removes negative catalysts without introducing fresh buying impetus.