Despite Donald Trump’s recent emphasis on crypto as a strategic priority for the United States, his newly released national security strategy does little to reinforce that message. The document, intended to define the government’s key priorities, omits any mention of cryptocurrencies or blockchain – despite their growing integration with the traditional financial system.

Artificial intelligence in, crypto out

Released on Friday, the strategy highlights U.S. leadership in artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and quantum technologies. According to the administration, these fields form the “core, vital national interests” underpinning America’s technological and security edge.

“We want to ensure that American technologies and American standards – especially in AI, biotechnology, and quantum computing – move the world forward,” the document states.

The absence of crypto is striking given Trump’s recent claim on 60 Minutes that he does not want “China to become number one in crypto.” He has also stated repeatedly that bitcoin mining should take place exclusively on U.S. soil.

CIA Deputy Director Michael Ellis issued a similar warning earlier this year, calling crypto “another arena of technological competition” where the United States must not fall behind.

A subtle reference appears in the document

One passage may hint at the strategic relevance of digital assets: a commitment to “preserve and expand the dominance of the American financial sector” through U.S. leadership in “digital finance and innovation.” Although it stops short of naming crypto, analysts interpret it as a nod toward future integration into the security agenda.

Meanwhile, the administration has taken several major steps supporting crypto this year. It passed the GENIUS Act regulating stablecoins, issued an executive order creating a national crypto task force, banned a U.S. CBDC, and scaled back enforcement actions targeting the crypto industry.

The government also established a federal bitcoin reserve, began managing confiscated digital assets, and is exploring “budget-neutral” ways to expand this pool. Such moves suggest the U.S. aims to play an active role in the global crypto sector – making the silence in the strategy even more notable.

Markets respond with a bitcoin drop

Bitcoin fell below $90,000 over the weekend as investors digested both the strategy’s content and its geopolitical implications. The document calls on U.S. allies to raise defense spending to 5% of GDP – more than double the current NATO standard. Higher government debt could create inflationary pressure and complicate future interest-rate cuts.

Market focus now turns to the Federal Reserve’s meeting on Tuesday and Wednesday. Investors hope the Fed will lower rates, a move that historically boosts risk appetite and demand for cryptocurrencies.

Sources:

https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/2025-National-Security-Strategy.pdf

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dAvuTHIyUTo&t=3531s