US should fund Bitcoin strategic reserve with tariff surplus, says author

Author proposes Bitcoin reserve funded by tariffs

The United States could allocate a portion of its tariff surplus into Bitcoin acquisitions, according to Adam Livingston, author of The Bitcoin Age and The Great Harvest.

Livingston suggested funneling trade tariff surpluses into geographically distributed multi-signature cold-storage Bitcoin, ensuring it remains untouchable by trading, lending, or government programs.

“As of July, we’ve collected $135.7 billion in customs duties — double last year’s pace. We’re sitting on a $70 billion surplus not tied to entitlements or debt service,” Livingston noted.

Budget-neutral strategy under Trump’s executive order

The idea aligns with US President Donald Trump’s executive order requiring that additional Bitcoin for the reserve be acquired only through budget-neutral methods.

Livingston’s plan highlights proof-of-reserves reporting, strict custody rules, and a capped budget for acquisitions, aiming to position Bitcoin alongside gold and other strategic assets.

Treasury sends mixed signals

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent initially dismissed the possibility of new Bitcoin purchases, stating: “We’re not going to be buying that.”

However, later that day, Bessent clarified the government is still “exploring budget-neutral pathways” to expand the Bitcoin reserve.

Other proposed strategies

Besides tariff surplus allocations, analysts have suggested revaluing US gold holdings, currently priced at $42.22 per troy ounce, while the market value is over $3,300.

Another option includes liquidating assets like oil from the strategic petroleum reserve to purchase Bitcoin, keeping the approach consistent with budget neutrality.