Bitcoin is a matter of national security — deputy CIA director
The US Central Intelligence Agency is integrating Bitcoin (BTC) into its operations, viewing it as a matter of national security. CIA Deputy Director Michael Ellis stated that the agency collaborates with law enforcement to track BTC and utilize it for data collection in counter-intelligence efforts. Ellis emphasized the permanence of cryptocurrency and the need for the US to remain competitive against adversaries like China. His comments reflect a shift in Bitcoin's role from a cypherpunk experiment to a state reserve asset, highlighted by President Trump's executive order establishing a Bitcoin Strategic Reserve. Reactions within the Bitcoin community are mixed, with some celebrating the move while others express concerns about government ownership of Bitcoin. The increasing institutional involvement in cryptocurrencies contrasts with their original libertarian ethos, as noted by former FCA director Therese Chambers, who pointed out that digital assets are behaving more like traditional financial instruments.
