Former President Donald Trump met with Crypto.com CEO Kris Marszalek at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida on Monday, marking another step in Trump's growing embrace of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology.
The high-profile meeting centered on potential appointments across financial departments and Congress, as well as discussions about establishing a U.S. Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, according to sources familiar with the conversation.
"We look forward to working with the new administration to develop and advance clear regulations for the crypto industry so the US can become a global leader in digital assets and innovation," a Crypto.com spokesperson said.
The proposed Bitcoin reserve would be administered through the Treasury's Exchange Stabilization Fund, with strict auditing and security standards. The initiative aims to consolidate government-held Bitcoin, including assets from forfeiture cases, under centralized management.
This meeting follows Trump's recent phone conversation with Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong, highlighting the President-elect's increased engagement with crypto industry leaders. Trump has already named several crypto advocates to key positions, including Paul Atkins as SEC Chairman and Howard Lutnick as commerce secretary.
The cryptocurrency market responded positively to the meeting, with Bitcoin reaching new heights following the news. The broader crypto community views Trump's pro-crypto stance as a potential catalyst for industry growth and regulatory clarity.
The meeting represents a notable shift in Trump's position on cryptocurrencies, as he was previously known for his skepticism toward digital assets. His administration now appears poised to implement policies that could establish the United States as a leader in the digital asset space.