Yeliz Akmaca 
The US government has officially ended its long-standing practice of liquidating seized Bitcoin. Washington confirmed that the government will retain the 57.55 BTC seized during the Samourai Wallet investigation and record it on its balance sheet.
This move marks a clear shift in how Bitcoin is perceived at the federal level — no longer treated as disposable financial residue, but as a strategic reserve asset.
The Silk Road Era Is Over
For years, the US government routinely auctioned off Bitcoin seized in major operations such as Silk Road, converting digital assets into cash with little hesitation. As of January 18, 2026, that approach has fundamentally changed.
Patrick Witt, Executive Director of the White House Digital Assets Advisory Council, confirmed that Executive Order 14233 places these assets directly into the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve (SBR). His statement eased growing market concerns that a government-led sale could introduce sudden supply pressure.
Earlier this month, a technical review by the US Marshals Service had fueled speculation that Bitcoin seized from Samourai Wallet founders Keonne Rodriguez and William Lonergan Hill could be liquidated. The Department of Justice’s confirmation has now decisively closed that chapter.
No Sale, Stronger Balance Sheet
The approximately $6.3 million worth of Bitcoin seized from Samourai Wallet developers now represents a new direction in US digital asset management. Market participants had closely watched whether the US Marshals would move these coins onto exchanges.
Instead, political pressure from pro-crypto figures — including Senator Cynthia Lummis — and a broader strategic reassessment prevailed. Lummis emphasized that avoiding liquidation was critical for maintaining confidence in the government’s approach to digital assets.
Market Context and Price Dynamics
Bitcoin is currently trading near $95,116, with a market capitalization of roughly $1.90 trillion and a dominance level of 58.95%. While the asset experienced a 14% pullback over the past 90 days, a 4.30% rebound in the last 60 days suggests resilience — reinforced by institutional and sovereign-level signals like this one.
By choosing to hold rather than sell, the US has softened fears of government-driven price pressure. Still, key questions remain unanswered: how large the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve could become, and under what conditions it might be expanded.
For now, the message is clear. Bitcoin has quietly taken a place on the US balance sheet. Upcoming enforcement and asset management decisions will clarify whether this move represents a pause or a permanent change in policy.
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