Michael Saylor Advocates for the US to Acquire 20% of Bitcoin to Pay Off National Debt

Michael Saylor, founder of Strategy (formerly MicroStrategy), has made a bold proposal, advocating for the United States to acquire a strategic reserve of Bitcoin, suggesting that the country should aim to purchase 20% of the total Bitcoin supply. Saylor, a well-known proponent of Bitcoin, outlined his vision during an interview at the CPAC conservative movement conference in Washington D.C. on February 20.

Saylor explained that there is “only room for one nation-state to buy up 20% of the network,” and he believes that the United States should take that position. “I think it should be the United States, I think it will be the United States,” he added confidently. According to Saylor, owning 20% of Bitcoin’s supply could lead to significant economic benefits for the U.S., including a stronger dollar and the potential to pay off the national debt. He emphasized the enormous financial upside, saying, “If you own 4-6 million BTC, you’re going to pay off the national debt.”

At current market prices, 20% of the total circulating supply of Bitcoin amounts to approximately 4 million BTC, valued at around $392 billion. Saylor highlighted that such an investment would far surpass the scale of other national reserves, such as the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve, which contains roughly 395 million barrels of oil worth an estimated $29 billion. In contrast, Bitcoin’s value is projected to grow over time, making it a much more powerful asset for the nation.

Saylor further explained the potential risks of not seizing this opportunity. He warned against other global powers, such as Saudi Arabia, Russia, China, and the European Union, acquiring this significant share of Bitcoin first. He expressed concern that failing to act could allow foreign nations to gain economic leverage over the United States.

Bitcoin: A Unique Asset for the US

During the interview, Saylor emphasized that Bitcoin should be the primary asset in the U.S. strategic reserve. He firmly rejected the idea of including other digital assets, stating that Bitcoin is the only cryptocurrency that qualifies as a true commodity—an asset without an issuer, meaning it cannot be manipulated by any country, company, or entity. According to Saylor, Bitcoin has "reached escape velocity," meaning it has become a self-sustaining, decentralized force in the global economy.

Saylor’s belief in Bitcoin’s potential goes beyond its current value. He also argued that Bitcoin offers a way for individuals and small companies to become more powerful than large states and monopolies. He drew attention to how the creator of Bitcoin, Satoshi Nakamoto, provided a solution to the global monetary conundrum, giving individuals the means to be economically independent in the digital age.

Strategy’s Bitcoin Holdings and Vision for the Future

As the world’s largest corporate holder of Bitcoin, Strategy currently owns 478,740 BTC, worth approximately $47 billion at today’s prices. The company’s portfolio has seen a 51% profit, or roughly $16 billion, since its initial investment, with an average purchase price of $65,000 per Bitcoin. This has significantly boosted the company’s stock price, which has increased by 360% over the past 12 months.

Saylor’s strategic vision extends beyond just the U.S. economy; he believes that global capital is shifting from physical assets to digital. "Global capital is flowing into cyberspace, moving from the 20th century to the 21st century,” he said. He further predicted that the 21st century will be dominated by artificial intelligence systems operating at unimaginable speeds, and that these AIs will rely on digital currencies like Bitcoin to facilitate transactions. "What are they going to be using to move their money around? They’re going to use digital money because they can’t get a bank account," he added.

Saylor's comments reflect a broader trend of increasing recognition of Bitcoin and digital assets as the future of money. His proposal for the U.S. to acquire a strategic reserve of Bitcoin suggests that the U.S. government should act quickly to secure its place as a global leader in the digital economy.

A Vision for a Digital Future

As the conversation around Bitcoin and its potential role in the global financial system continues to grow, Saylor’s comments underline the importance of early adoption and strategic investment. With Bitcoin’s decentralized nature and potential for long-term value appreciation, Saylor’s argument is clear: securing 20% of the Bitcoin network could be a transformative move for the United States, both economically and politically.

With Bitcoin’s proven resilience and growing global adoption, Saylor’s vision of a U.S. Bitcoin reserves could reshape how nations approach digital assets and the future of money.