Can Trump Seize Over $60 Billion USD in Venezuela's Bitcoin? What's the Truth?

Recently, news about U.S. President Donald Trump directing a crackdown to arrest Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has caused a stir among global investors in the Bitcoin market. Among the biggest rumors is that Venezuela holds a “mysterious Bitcoin reserve” worth approximately $60 billion, and the U.S. might seize this amount immediately after detaining the Venezuelan leader. But what is the truth behind this figure, and can it actually be seized?

1. The “600,000 BTC” Bitcoin Reserve in Venezuela: Fact or Rumor? In recent days, many online articles and analyses suggest that Venezuela may have accumulated a massive amount of Bitcoin, estimated between 600,000 and 660,000 BTC, equivalent to $56–67 billion at current prices.

These analyses are based on unofficial “intelligence reports” and various hypotheses about how Venezuela might be acquiring crypto funds through channels such as: selling gold from the Orinoco mines, then converting it to Bitcoin; requesting oil buyers to pay with stablecoin USDT, then converting to Bitcoin; collecting Bitcoin from seized mining operations. However, there is no solid evidence on the blockchain showing a wallet containing 600,000 BTC owned by the Venezuelan government. Blockchain analysis experts emphasize that if Venezuela truly held such a large amount, the blockchain community would have detected it long ago, as Bitcoin transactions and addresses are transparent on the chain. Instead, many official Bitcoin asset tracking sites like BitcoinTreasuries only record Venezuela holding about 240 BTC, worth just a few million USD — a tiny amount compared to the widely circulated figure of 600,000 BTC. In summary: 📌 The figure of 600,000 BTC has not been proven by blockchain data or any official sources — it remains a rumor. 2. Why Do Rumors of a Large Bitcoin Reserve Appear? The reasons behind this rumor include: Economic policies and sanctions evasion: Venezuela faces numerous sanctions from the U.S. and Western countries. There is a hypothesis that the country has used Bitcoin to bypass traditional financial channels. Miscalculations in asset estimates: Assuming all sold gold is converted to Bitcoin is an unfounded calculation. Market reactions and social media spread: News about a “$60 billion Bitcoin reserve” quickly spread on Twitter (X) and Reddit, leading investors to believe a large source of Bitcoin is about to be seized. Result: This is a typical example of unverified rumors and analyses spreading widely, causing unnecessary volatility in the Bitcoin market. 3. Can the U.S. Seize Venezuela’s Bitcoin? Legally and practically, there are two key conditions for a country like the U.S. to seize Venezuela’s Bitcoin: a) Ownership and proof related to criminal activity To seize assets, U.S. authorities must prove that the Bitcoin is directly linked to illegal activities or that a court has ordered its seizure. Rumors or speculation about the reserve are not sufficient. Accusations and asset confiscation must follow strict legal procedures. b) Access and control over Bitcoin Even if a Bitcoin reserve exists, if the U.S. does not have the (private keys) or if the holding organizations/individuals do not cooperate, Bitcoin cannot be technically seized. There is no “magic” that allows the government to move Bitcoin from a wallet without access to the private key. 4. Impact on the Bitcoin Market Rumors about the U.S. “seizing a huge Bitcoin reserve” have previously caused BTC price fluctuations, but upon closer inspection: There is no confirmed evidence of such a large Bitcoin reserve. If Bitcoin were “frozen” under government control, it could temporarily reduce circulating supply, sometimes even pushing prices up — a counterintuitive reaction to a sell-off. 5. Conclusion: Rumors vs. Reality ✔ Reality: Venezuela may hold some Bitcoin; the confirmed amount is very small (just a few hundred BTC). The figures of 600,000 BTC and $60 billion are unverified estimates not proven on the blockchain and should be regarded as rumors, not facts. ❌ Not accurate: There is no clear evidence that the U.S. can immediately seize a “$60 billion Bitcoin reserve.” Asset seizure requires both legal proof and control over private keys — and this does not happen automatically just because a leader is detained. If you want, I can write a more in-depth analysis of the potential market impact if a “national Bitcoin reserve” is seized, or compare this scenario with previous Bitcoin seizures by (the U.S., Germany, etc.) — just let me know what angle you’re interested in.