Trump's "National Cybersecurity Strategy" names Bitcoin, marking its first inclusion in the federal security protection framework

President Donald Trump released the “National Cyber Strategy,” a six-page document that for the first time lists cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology as objects requiring “protection and security.” Alex Thorn, head of research at Galaxy Digital, pointed out that cryptocurrencies and blockchain are explicitly listed as technologies needing protection and security, marking the first time this has appeared in a U.S. cybersecurity strategy.

Cryptocurrencies First Included in Federal Cybersecurity Strategy: Provisions and Historical Significance

(Source: White House)

The “National Cyber Strategy” mentions cryptocurrencies only once: “We will establish secure technologies and supply chains, protecting user privacy throughout the process from design to deployment, including supporting the security of cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology.”

This statement’s historical significance lies in it being the first time the U.S. government has officially committed to protecting the security of Bitcoin and blockchain technology within the federal cybersecurity policy framework. It continues President Trump’s series of digital asset-friendly policies since his re-election, including approving the establishment of strategic Bitcoin reserves based on Bitcoin, banning the development of U.S. central bank digital currencies (CBDC), and conducting a comprehensive review of digital asset policy frameworks.

Quantum Threats and Post-Quantum Cryptography: Industry Perspectives

Another key provision in the strategy document is the government’s commitment to promote “Post-Quantum Cryptography, Zero Trust architectures, and cloud transformation to accelerate the modernization of federal information systems.” Industry opinions on the threat of quantum computing to Bitcoin vary:

Optimists: Strategy co-founder Michael Saylor believes concerns about quantum threats are exaggerated but acknowledges developers should prepare for technological changes.

Cautious Warnings: Nic Carter, founder of Castle Island Ventures, states that if Bitcoin developers fail to address quantum security issues in time, major institutions holding Bitcoin may eventually lose patience with developers.

Roadmap Action: Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin earlier this year proposed a “Quantum Roadmap” aimed at preparing Ethereum for a future where quantum computing could weaken existing cryptographic protections.

Nic Carter sarcastically commented on the government’s commitment to promote post-quantum cryptography: “It seems they really care about quantum mechanics. No need to worry.” Quantum computers are still experimental, but researchers warn that sufficiently powerful quantum computers could someday crack Bitcoin’s current encryption, necessitating a network-wide migration to new cryptographic standards.

Potential Risks in Cybersecurity Strategy: Signals for Regulating Mixers and Privacy Coins

While the strategy clearly supports cryptocurrency security, another clause could serve as a basis for regulation. Alex Thorn pointed out that the phrase “eliminate criminal infrastructure and cut off financial exit routes and havens” could easily be used as a reason to crack down on mixers, privacy coins, and unregulated exit channels.

Notably, despite overall friendly policies toward cryptocurrencies under Trump, on-chain data shows that Bitcoin millionaire addresses (holding over $1 million worth of Bitcoin) have decreased by about 16% since Trump’s re-election, roughly 25,000 addresses, indicating that policy optimism has not yet translated into continuous growth in Bitcoin wealth among holders.