Bitcoin: An Intelligence Tool for the CIA

Behind its crypto-lighthouse facade, Bitcoin has established itself as a strategic tool for intelligence agencies, notably the CIA

Long seen as merely a digital currency, Bitcoin turns out to be much more. Behind its crypto-lighthouse facade, it has established itself as a strategic tool for intelligence agencies, notably the CIA, which integrated it into its operations long before the general public recognized its potential. This early adoption reveals an unknown facet of the queen of cryptos, far from the cypherpunk ideals of its beginnings.

Bitcoin: An Intelligence Tool for the CIA

The Bitcoin news: on May 1, 2025, Michael Ellis, Deputy Director of the CIA, declared in an interview with Anthony Pompliano:

Bitcoin is here to stay — cryptocurrency is here to stay. More and more institutions are adopting it, and I think it’s a great trend.

Ellis highlighted that Bitcoin is allowing tracking of financial activities of U.S. adversaries and disruption of their networks. He added:

We use technology as a tool, and Bitcoin along with other cryptocurrencies is another tool in the toolbox.

This official recognition of BTC as a national security instrument marks a turning point in the institutional perception of cryptocurrencies.

From Cypherpunk Experimentation to State Strategic Reserve

On March 7, 2025, President Donald Trump signed a decree establishing a strategic Bitcoin reserve for the United States. This decision sparked mixed reactions within the crypto community. David Bailey, CEO of Bitcoin Magazine, hailed the initiative, while Erik Voorhees, founder of Venice AI, expressed reservations, believing that if the government were to adopt a crypto reserve, it should be limited to Bitcoin.

This institutionalization contrasts with the libertarian origins of BTC. In March 2020, Therese Chambers, former director of regulatory investigations at the UK FCA, already noted that cryptos were increasingly behaving like traditional financial instruments, moving away from their original purpose of preserving privacy.

Bitcoin: A Major Geopolitical Issue

Ellis also highlighted the strategic importance of Bitcoin in the global technological competition, especially against China. He stated:

This is another domain of competition where we must ensure the United States is well-positioned against China and other adversaries.

This statement highlights the growing role of BTC in international relations and cybersecurity. Bitcoin is no longer just a financial asset but a lever of influence and power for nations.

In conclusion, Bitcoin is establishing itself as an essential player in cybersecurity and geopolitics. As early as 2021, a U.S. Space Force major mentioned its potential as a strategic weapon. Today, its role goes far beyond finance, redefining international power dynamics.

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