U.S. Confirms Samourai Wallet Bitcoin Stays in Strategic Reserve

The U.S. government has officially denied reports claiming that Bitcoin forfeited from Samourai Wallet developers was liquidated, confirming the cryptocurrency will remain in the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve. This clarification comes after speculation emerged about potential sales of approximately 57.55 BTC worth roughly $6.3 million.

The statement from a senior White House official directly addresses concerns that government actions may have violated President Trump's Executive Order 14233, which explicitly prohibits the sale of Bitcoin acquired through criminal or civil forfeiture. The development represents a critical moment for cryptocurrency policy and government asset management practices.

Patrick Witt, Executive Director of the President's Council of Advisors for Digital Assets and Deputy Director at the Department of War's Office of Strategic Capital, issued a definitive statement on January 16, 2026. In a brief message on X, Witt confirmed that the Department of Justice has verified the forfeited digital assets have not been liquidated.

We have received confirmation from DOJ that the digital assets forfeited by Samourai Wallet have not been liquidated and will not be liquidated. They will remain on the USG balance sheet as part of the SBR.

The clarification follows Bitcoin Magazine reporting earlier this month that raised questions about whether the U.S. Marshals Service had sold the assets using Coinbase Prime in November 2025. That reporting cited an "Asset Liquidation Agreement" and on-chain data suggesting the forfeited Bitcoin may have been transferred directly to a Coinbase Prime address that later showed a zero balance.

The government's confirmation that these assets remain intact directly addresses the speculation surrounding the transaction. The 57.55 BTC in question will continue to be held on the U.S. government's balance sheet as part of the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve.

The Samourai Wallet Bitcoin falls under the protection of Executive Order 14233, which fundamentally changed how the U.S. government handles seized cryptocurrency. The order explicitly states that Bitcoin acquired through criminal or civil forfeiture "shall not be sold" and must instead be retained as part of the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve.

This policy represents a significant departure from the long-standing practice of liquidating seized digital assets. The executive order was specifically designed to recognize Bitcoin as a strategic reserve asset of the United States, treating it similarly to traditional strategic commodities.

• Prohibits sale of forfeited Bitcoin
• Requires retention in Strategic Bitcoin Reserve
• Recognizes Bitcoin as strategic national asset
• Reverses previous liquidation practices

The Strategic Bitcoin Reserve serves as a formal repository for government-held Bitcoin, ensuring these assets remain available for potential future use rather than being immediately converted to fiat currency. This approach aligns with growing recognition of Bitcoin's long-term value proposition.

The Samourai Wallet case has drawn intense scrutiny within Bitcoin and cryptocurrency policy circles for multiple reasons. Beyond the forfeiture issue, the case involves broader concerns about the prosecution of developers creating noncustodial software tools.

Samourai Wallet developers Keonne Rodriguez and William Lonergan Hill pleaded guilty in 2025 to conspiracy to operate an unlicensed money transmitting business. Critics argue this charge is incompatible with the noncustodial nature of the software, which gives users complete control over their private keys and funds.

These concerns have been heightened by perceived inconsistencies between Department of Justice actions and guidance issued under the Trump administration. In April 2025, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche issued a memo calling for an end to "regulation by prosecution" of noncustodial cryptocurrency tools.

The administration's confirmation that the Samourai bitcoin remains intact and earmarked for the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve will likely be seen as a win for proponents of the bitcoin industry.

The government's commitment to retaining the forfeited Bitcoin in the Strategic Reserve, rather than liquidating it, demonstrates alignment with the broader policy direction established by the executive order.

The confirmation that Samourai Wallet Bitcoin will remain in the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve represents a significant victory for cryptocurrency industry advocates. The statement provides clarity on government intentions regarding forfeited digital assets and reinforces the policy framework established by Executive Order 14233.

Industry stakeholders have closely monitored this case as a test of the government's commitment to its own cryptocurrency policies. The assurance that forfeited Bitcoin will not be liquidated provides predictability for market participants and reinforces Bitcoin's status as a strategic asset.

This development also addresses concerns about potential conflicts between enforcement actions against cryptocurrency developers and the administration's stated support for the industry. The government's consistent application of the executive order demonstrates a coherent approach to digital asset management.

• Reinforces policy consistency
• Provides market certainty
• Supports Bitcoin's strategic asset status
• Aligns enforcement with retention policies

The confirmation may influence future cases involving forfeited cryptocurrency and set precedents for how digital assets are handled within the government's balance sheet framework.

The U.S. government's definitive statement regarding the Samourai Wallet Bitcoin establishes a clear precedent for how forfeited cryptocurrency will be handled under the current administration. The assets will remain in the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, protected from liquidation by Executive Order 14233.

This policy framework provides stability for cryptocurrency markets and clarity for industry participants. The government's commitment to retaining Bitcoin as a strategic asset rather than liquidating it reflects a long-term perspective on digital currency's role in national economic strategy.

As cryptocurrency policy continues to evolve, this case serves as an important reference point for future enforcement actions and asset management decisions. The administration's consistent application of its executive order demonstrates a structured approach to digital asset governance that balances enforcement with strategic asset preservation.