Cathie Wood Says US Bitcoin Strategic Reserve May Begin Buying BTC

How the Trump’s US Bitcoin Strategic Reserve Could Reshape 2026

The US Bitcoin strategic reserve is no longer just a campaign promise it is becoming a cornerstone of American financial policy. On January 9, 2026, ARK Invest founder Cathie Wood shared a bold prediction during the "Bitcoin Brainstorm" podcast. She believes the federal government is about to stop relying solely on seized assets and will soon start buying digital  assets directly on the open market. According to Wood, this shift is essential if the administration wants to hit its original target of holding 1 million BTC. 

Source: X(formerly Twitter)

Cathie Wood pointed out that the support from the crypto world played a huge role in getting Donald Trump back into the White House. With the 2026 midterms right around the corner, the President is clearly trying to avoid losing his momentum or becoming a "lame duck" leader. By going all-in on the US Bitcoin strategic reserve, Trump is looking to build a reputation as a forward-thinking leader while making sure his core supporters stay excited about his vision for the future.

From Seized Coins to Market Purchases: The 2026 Strategy

Until now, the US strategic reserve has mostly been "capitalized" by assets taken during law enforcement raids. However, Wood pointed out that there has been a noticeable hesitation to actually spend taxpayer money to buy more. She expects this to change quickly. With Senator Cynthia Lummis leading the charge for the BITCOIN Act of 2025, the goal is to diversify the nation’s balance sheet to protect the dollar and tackle the national debt.

State-Level Momentum: Florida and Texas Step Up

The federal government isn't the only player in the game. Florida recently introduced Senate Bill 1038, which looks to create its own state-run version of the US  strategic reserve. This bill would allow the state to put up to 10% of its public funds into digital assets with a market cap of over $500 billion which, right now, means Bitcoin. Similar moves in Texas and Arizona show that the idea of "digital gold" is spreading from the White House to state capitals across the country.

The Tariff Impact and Market Volatility

Even with all the excitement, the path forward hasn't been a smooth ride. The markets recently took a hit after the administration suggested a massive 500% tariff on any country still buying Russian oil. This move stirred up global trade war fears, sending digital assets into a bit of a tailspin as it bounced between $85,000 and $102,000. Still, many experts are staying calm; they believe the long-term demand created by a government-backed US Bitcoin strategic reserve will easily outlast these temporary market jitters.

Conclusion

Wrapping things up, it is clear that the US Bitcoin strategic reserve has moved from a bold idea to a serious piece of the national budget. While the government has mostly used "found money" from seized wallets so far, Cathie Wood’s insights suggest that the real shopping spree is about to begin. As we move through 2026, the focus will be on whether the Treasury can hit that 1 million BTC mark without upsetting global markets. For now, the US is positioning itself as a “Bitcoin Superpower” and the rest of the world is watching closely.

YMYL Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Cryptocurrency investments involve risk. Readers should consult qualified professionals before making financial decisions.