Donald Trump’s Strategic Crypto Reserve Is Bullish, but Obstacles Remain, Analysts Warn

Key Takeaways

• Donald Trump announced a crypto strategic reserve featuring Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, Solana, and Cardano.
• The move drew criticism, particularly for including Cardano and omitting Bitcoin in the initial announcement.
• The proposal requires Congressional approval, making its final version uncertain.

On Sunday, March 2, President Donald Trump announced a U.S. strategic crypto reserve, proposing a mix of Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), XRP, Solana (SOL) and Cardano (ADA) as assets the government would hold.

Markets reacted instantly. ADA jumped by over 70%, while Bitcoin and Ethereum erased weeks of losses. The announcement also intensified speculation that the U.S. could be preparing for a broader embrace of digital assets.

Yet analysts remain skeptical. Many say the proposal faces significant political hurdles and could undergo major changes before becoming a reality—if it gets through Congress at all.

A Controversial Mix of Assets

While the inclusion of Bitcoin and Ethereum was expected , the addition of XRP, Solana, and Cardano raised eyebrows.

Some analysts question whether the government should be holding altcoins with volatile track records, especially ADA, which has struggled with adoption and network activity.

Others suspect lobbying efforts played a role in shaping the list.

Bitcoin maximalists weren’t happy either. Many questioned why the administration opted for a multi-asset reserve rather than a Bitcoin-exclusive strategy—something the President had previously endorsed.

During his campaign, Trump frequently floated the idea of a Bitcoin reserve. The proposal gained traction among lawmakers and led over 25 U.S. states to propose their own state-level Bitcoin reserves.

However, with this latest proposal, the President appears to be taking a broader approach—one that not all market participants support.

Congress Holds the Final Say

Trump’s proposal is far from a done deal. As former BitMEX CEO Arthur Hayes put it , Trump’s announcement is “just words” until Congress approves it.

For the crypto reserve to materialize, it must first pass through a lengthy legislative process.

A bill must be introduced in the House or Senate, undergo committee review and amendments, and secure approval from both chambers before reaching the President’s desk. Even then, bipartisan support would be crucial to prevent the bill from stalling or being vetoed.

Similar attempts to create Bitcoin reserves have repeatedly failed at the state level. A federal-level crypto reserve could face an even tougher fight.

Reserve or Stockpile? A Key Distinction

Crypto journalist Laura Shin shared that many in the community may have misinterpreted Trump’s announcement.

She pointed out that the executive order does not explicitly call for the government to purchase crypto.

Instead, it directs officials to evaluate a “stockpile”—a term usually referring to assets seized through law enforcement actions, not ones acquired by investment.

If true, this could dramatically change the scope of the plan. A reserve suggests a long-term strategic holding. A stockpile could simply be repurposing assets the government already holds.

For now, Trump’s crypto strategic reserve remains just an idea—one that excited markets but faces an uphill political battle. Whether it evolves into policy or fades into campaign rhetoric remains to be seen.