CIA Official: Bitcoin Is Now a National Security Matter

Michael Ellis, Deputy Director of the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), made headlines with his latest remarks on Bitcoin’s evolving role in U.S. operations. Speaking on Anthony Pompliano’s podcast, Ellis emphasized that Bitcoin is not just a digital asset anymore — it's becoming an integral part of America’s national security strategy.

Ellis revealed that the CIA works closely with law enforcement agencies to monitor Bitcoin activities, noting that the cryptocurrency has become a valuable point of intelligence collection in counterintelligence operations. He also highlighted the growing adoption of crypto by institutions as a positive development.

“Crypto is here to stay. The current administration embraces this trend, and we must ensure that the U.S. is well-positioned against rivals like China.”

Adding to this, former President Donald Trump signed an executive order on March 7 to establish the Bitcoin Strategic Reserve — a move that sparked mixed reactions within the crypto community. While some, like Bitcoin Magazine’s CEO David Bailey, welcomed the initiative, others warned about the risks of government ownership of Bitcoin.

The rise of government-backed crypto reserves and increasing regulatory frameworks reflect a shift away from Bitcoin’s cypherpunk roots, as digital assets increasingly behave like traditional financial tools.