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US Rep. Calls Bitcoin A ‘Geopolitical Weapon Used By Multiple Adversaries’
TL;DR
US Representative Lance Gooden claims Bitcoin is now a 'geopolitical weapon' used by adversaries, highlighting its role in national security discussions. His comments follow Pentagon confirmation of classified operations involving Bitcoin to counteract China's influence.
Key points
- US Rep. Lance Gooden calls Bitcoin a geopolitical weapon
- Pentagon involved in classified operations using Bitcoin
- Bitcoin's role in countering China's digital authoritarianism
Mentioned in this story
Lance GoodenDepartment of Defense
BitcoinChina
Top US officials have increasingly placed Bitcoin (BTC) at the center of national security discussions, and Representative Lance Gooden says the change is more than just political rhetoric.
In comments reported Thursday, the Texas Republican argued that the largest cryptocurrency has become a “geopolitical weapon” being used—simultaneously, in his view—by multiple adversaries.
Multi-Front Security Use Of Bitcoin
Gooden’s remarks follow confirmation from Pentagon leadership. According to reporting by the TFTC agency, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth told him that the Department of Defense is actively involved with Bitcoin in classified operations designed to counter what Hegseth described as “China’s digital authoritarianism.”
Gooden quoted Hegseth directly, saying: “I am a long enthusiast of Bitcoin and crypto potential, and a lot of the things we are doing, enabling it or defeating it, are classified efforts that are ongoing inside our department, which do provide us a lot of leverage in a lot of different scenarios.”
In recent Senate testimony, Admiral Samuel Paparo—commander of the US Indo-Pacific Command—described Bitcoin as having “incredible potential” as a tool with cybersecurity and wider strategic uses.
Paparo told the Senate, “We have a node on the Bitcoin network right now. Bitcoin has direct implications for power projection.”
Within that context, Gooden laid out what he sees as a multi-front national security landscape for Bitcoin. He argued that Iran is demanding Bitcoin as a toll for transit through the Strait of Hormuz.
BPI Numbers Fuel Gooden’s Claim
The Republican also claimed that North Korea-linked hackers are using Bitcoin in ransomware campaigns. And he said China is “believed to be stockpiling substantial holdings as part of its strategic reserve.”
Gooden framed his conclusion plainly: “Over the past decade, Bitcoin has evolved from a fringe asset into a matter of national security.”
The geopolitical angle is supported by estimates from advocacy and policy groups in the industry. According to the Bitcoin Policy Institute (BPI), China holds approximately 194,000 BTC, while the United States holds approximately 328,000 BTC.
Q&A
How is Bitcoin being used as a geopolitical weapon?
Representative Lance Gooden asserts that Bitcoin is utilized by multiple adversaries as a tool in geopolitical strategies, particularly in national security contexts.
What did Pentagon officials say about Bitcoin's role in national security?
Pentagon leadership, including Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, confirmed that the Department of Defense is involved in classified operations using Bitcoin to counter China's digital authoritarianism.
What are the implications of Bitcoin in US national security?
The increasing focus on Bitcoin in national security discussions suggests that it may play a crucial role in countering foreign adversaries and shaping geopolitical strategies.
