“Many of You Have Been Fighting for This,” Trump at Crypto Summit

In a landmark moment for the cryptocurrency industry, President Donald J. Trump hosted the first-ever White House Digital Asset Summit on Friday, marking a pivotal shift in the U.S. government’s stance on crypto. Addressing an audience filled with industry leaders, Trump reaffirmed his commitment to making America the dominant force in the crypto space.

“Welcome to the first-ever White House Digital Asset Summit. Last year, I promised to make America the Bitcoin superpower of the world, AND WE’RE TAKING HISTORIC ACTION TO DELIVER ON THAT PROMISE,” declared President Trump, setting the tone for the high-stakes meeting.

Trump further emphasized the U.S.’s ambition to lead in the digital asset sphere, stating, “Last year, I promised to make America the Bitcoin superpower of the world and the crypto capital of the planet, and we’re taking historic action to deliver on that promise.”

A major takeaway from the summit was Trump’s revelation about the U.S. government’s strategic Bitcoin holdings. He confirmed that none of the estimated 200,000 bitcoins currently in the government’s Special Bitcoin Reserve (SBR) would be sold off. However, he clarified that assets within the Treasury’s Digital Asset Stockpile remain eligible for liquidation.

“The Treasury and Commerce Departments will also explore new pathways to accumulate additional bitcoin holdings for the reserve,” Trump added, signaling a proactive approach toward strengthening the nation’s digital asset reserves.

The summit reinforced the administration’s commitment to fostering a crypto-friendly environment, with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stating he is a “big proponent of the U.S. taking the worldwide lead in crypto.” Despite widespread speculation, discussions regarding the potential removal of capital gains taxes on crypto were not publicly addressed during the event.

Industry executives present at the summit lauded Trump’s shift in policy, which they argued corrected the restrictive stance of the previous administration.

“I thought it was very important that we stay in the front of this one,” Trump remarked, underscoring the significance of positioning the U.S. at the forefront of the crypto revolution.

In a lighthearted moment, Trump echoed a popular mantra among Bitcoin enthusiasts: “From this day on, America will follow the rule that every bitcoin knows very well—never sell your bitcoin. That’s a little phrase that they have. I don’t know if that’s right or not. Who the hell knows, right? Who knows? Who knows, but so far, it’s been right, and well, let’s keep it that way.”

The summit, held in the ornate State Dining Room, took place under the gaze of a portrait of Abraham Lincoln, adding a historic gravitas to the gathering. More than two dozen of the most influential figures in the U.S. cryptocurrency sector, representing billions in assets, assembled to discuss the future of digital finance with the president.

As Trump entered the room, the executives rose in applause.

“Many of you have been fighting for years for this,” Trump acknowledged, before adding, “It’s an honor to be with you at the White House.”

The event, scheduled to last four hours, was largely conducted behind closed doors, with only a brief portion publicly broadcasted. However, the message was clear: Trump has fully embraced cryptocurrency, aligning the White House’s vision with the industry’s push for regulatory clarity and growth.

The summit marked a defining moment in U.S. crypto policy, solidifying America’s intent to dominate the digital asset space. Whether these declarations translate into legislative action remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—the crypto industry has found an ally in President Trump.