As Bitcoin continues to cement its position as a serious global financial asset, a new prediction from Galaxy Digital’s Head of Research, Alex Thorn, has added fuel to speculation that the U.S. government may soon take unprecedented steps to integrate the cryptocurrency into its official reserves. Thorn believes the U.S. is likely to start accumulating Bitcoin in 2025, marking a major shift in how governments approach digital assets.

In a recent appearance on Bloomberg Crypto, Thorn explained that the U.S. is already in possession of a notable amount of Bitcoin from previous law enforcement seizures. However, he expects the government to go further this year by purchasing Bitcoin on the open market. This move, according to Thorn, would not only increase the government’s holdings but also signal a new era of Bitcoin adoption as a strategic reserve asset.

The prediction is backed by policy developments from earlier this year. In March, the U.S. government issued an executive order to establish the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve (SBR) and a broader United States Digital Asset Stockpile. The executive order outlines a framework for how the government will manage digital assets. It notably prohibits the sale of Bitcoin from the reserve and tasks the Departments of Commerce and Treasury with finding budget-neutral methods to accumulate more of it. The order also places restrictions on buying altcoins, indicating a focused interest in Bitcoin alone.

Thorn emphasized that budget-neutral acquisition methods are not only possible but practical. He pointed to a strategy where the U.S. could sell altcoins it currently holds in exchange for Bitcoin through crypto trading pairs. In this scenario, the government wouldn’t need to use any fiat currency or taxpayer funds, as no cash would flow into the general treasury. This conversion method offers a way to adhere to the executive order while strengthening the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve.

Further adding credibility to the possibility of a Bitcoin accumulation plan is the growing support from top U.S. officials. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has publicly recognized Bitcoin’s growing role as a store of value. Additionally, Bo Hines, Executive Director of the President’s Council of Advisers on Digital Assets, and David Sacks, the White House’s lead on AI and crypto, have both voiced support for increased integration of digital assets into national strategies.

According to Thorn, this unified direction suggests that the groundwork for official Bitcoin acquisitions has already been laid. He believes it is increasingly plausible that the U.S. government will introduce a significant Bitcoin purchase this year. Such a move would position the country as a global leader in crypto asset adoption and could encourage other nations to follow suit.

Thorn also highlighted that Bitcoin’s performance during recent market volatility has shown a level of maturity that appeals to institutional investors. Unlike in past years, Bitcoin has demonstrated resilience, functioning more like a macroeconomic hedge than a speculative asset. This shift in perception may further convince policymakers and financial authorities of Bitcoin’s utility as a long-term strategic reserve.

If the U.S. does proceed with its first direct Bitcoin purchase for the SBR, it would mark a pivotal moment in the evolution of cryptocurrency. It would represent a government’s formal embrace of Bitcoin not just as a financial asset, but as a core component of its economic strategy. With preparations seemingly underway and policy support growing, 2025 could be the year Bitcoin takes its place as a recognized part of the U.S. national reserve framework.