The debate surrounding the U.S. government’s potential decision to sell its Bitcoin holdings has sparked strong reactions from experts, with many calling it a “huge strategic mistake.” Among the loudest critics is U.S. Space Force Major Jason Lowery, who argues that Bitcoin’s value extends far beyond its role as a financial asset. Instead, he suggests that Bitcoin represents a key tool in securing national defense and maintaining cybersecurity, especially in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Bitcoin as a Non-Kinetic Defense Tool
Lowery, a vocal advocate for Bitcoin’s strategic role in national security, has long championed the idea that Bitcoin’s Proof-of-Work (PoW) mechanism could provide the U.S. with an innovative form of protection. Unlike traditional forms of military defense that rely on human lives and physical resources, Bitcoin offers a “non-kinetic” defense system. Through its decentralized, trustless network, Bitcoin can safeguard digital assets and information without the need for armed conflict.
In his writings and public statements, Lowery has consistently argued that Bitcoin should be seen as a tool for ensuring cybersecurity and a means of securing critical digital infrastructure. According to Lowery, Bitcoin is not just a digital currency; it is a “strategic asset” that could protect the U.S. from emerging cyber threats. Its ability to secure data in a trustless, peer-to-peer manner could significantly enhance the nation’s cybersecurity efforts, making it an invaluable asset in modern warfare.
The Strategic Importance of Bitcoin Reserves
Lowery’s critique comes in response to the U.S. government’s ongoing discussions about liquidating some of its Bitcoin holdings. He argues that such a move would be a grave error, particularly in light of Bitcoin’s potential as a reserve asset. Bitcoin’s scarcity and its ability to function as a store of value make it comparable to gold, but with the added benefit of digital security. By selling its Bitcoin, the U.S. would be undermining a strategic reserve that could prove essential for future defense and economic stability.
Instead of selling off its Bitcoin holdings, Lowery recommends that the U.S. government invest in developing a robust “hashing industry.” He envisions the creation of a “U.S. Hash Force,” similar to how the U.S. Space Force supports private companies in ensuring access to space. This initiative could help guarantee continued access to Bitcoin and its cybersecurity benefits.
A Call for Action
Lowery’s vision aligns with a growing movement to reassess how Bitcoin is perceived within the context of national security. Experts increasingly argue that Bitcoin’s utility as a digital asset goes beyond its financial applications, offering nations a unique method of protecting their digital infrastructure. As Lowery puts it, understanding the strategic importance of Bitcoin could lead to a “peaceful power balance” based on secure, decentralized technologies rather than traditional military strength.
As the debate over Bitcoin’s role in national defense continues, it’s clear that its potential impact extends far beyond financial markets. For the U.S., the question now is whether to see Bitcoin purely as a financial asset or to embrace it as a key component of its cybersecurity and defense strategy.
