Howard Lutnick, the U.S. Secretary of Commerce, has made a powerful declaration about Bitcoin’s place in America’s future, aligning it with the historical role that gold has played for centuries. In a revealing interview with Bitcoin Magazine, Lutnick emphasized that Bitcoin is now not only accepted by the U.S. government but actively encouraged under the leadership of President Trump, signaling a full reversal from the previous administration’s cautious, often hostile stance toward digital assets.
“What is Bitcoin like? It’s like gold, right?” Lutnick mused during the conversation, highlighting Bitcoin’s unique properties as a rare and valuable asset. He recalled how, under the Biden administration, individuals who supported or invested in Bitcoin were treated as if they were engaging in something suspicious or illicit. “It was treated under the Biden administration like you were doing something wrong,” he said, adding confidently that those days are now definitively over and will not return.
Lutnick’s relationship with Bitcoin dates back to 2017, when his interest in blockchain technology first led him to explore the emerging world of cryptocurrency. Over time, his understanding deepened, and by 2020 he had committed fully to Bitcoin, convinced that its capped supply of 21 million coins makes it uniquely valuable. “It’s just a rare entity. That rarity is what creates its value,” Lutnick explained, emphasizing Bitcoin’s appeal as a digital store of wealth in an increasingly inflationary world.
Today, Lutnick is more than just a supporter; he is an architect of America’s new crypto-friendly policies. Alongside tech entrepreneur David Sacks, he championed the creation of the Bitcoin Strategic Reserve, a bold initiative President Trump immediately prioritized after taking office. According to Lutnick, this Reserve sends a powerful message that Bitcoin is no longer a fringe technology but a national economic asset, with the Trump administration positioning itself as an ally to Bitcoin holders, miners, and innovators.
Central to this strategy is the launch of the Investment Accelerator at the Department of Commerce. Lutnick explained that the program is designed to cut red tape for billion-dollar-plus projects, enabling faster development across sectors like Bitcoin mining. Particularly groundbreaking is the plan to allow Bitcoin miners to build independent energy sources—such as private hydroelectric plants or systems utilizing flare gas from oil fields—allowing miners to operate off-grid, reduce costs, and ensure a cleaner energy profile. “You’re going to see miners putting data centers right on top of gas fields,” Lutnick said enthusiastically, framing this as a revolution for American Bitcoin production.
Lutnick also addressed critics who warn that a concentration of mining within U.S. borders could harm Bitcoin’s decentralized nature. He strongly rejected this view, asserting that Bitcoin’s strength lies in its openness and resilience — and that America’s dynamic and competitive business environment will only enhance Bitcoin’s growth. “America is the most extraordinary business place on Earth,” he said, urging entrepreneurs and developers to embrace the opportunities presented by the shifting landscape.
Throughout the interview, Lutnick painted a compelling vision of Bitcoin as more than a speculative investment; it is a symbol of American ingenuity and economic revival. By embracing Bitcoin, Lutnick argued, the U.S. could stimulate innovation, restore economic optimism, and empower individuals historically sidelined by traditional finance. Under Trump’s leadership and Lutnick’s economic blueprint, Bitcoin is not just surviving in America—it is thriving, and it could define the country’s future financial dominance.
