Key Takeaways
- Trump warns that China’s Bitcoin expansion threatens U.S. crypto dominance.
- He defends his pardon of Binance founder CZ as politically motivated.
- U.S. still leads in Bitcoin holdings but faces tightening competition from China.
Trump Sounds Alarm Over China’s Crypto Expansion
U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a sharp warning about China’s accelerating involvement in Bitcoin and digital assets, cautioning that Beijing’s renewed push could challenge America’s leadership in digital finance.
Speaking to CBS’s Norah O’Donnell at Mar-a-Lago, Trump said, “China is getting very big into Bitcoin and crypto right now,” adding that falling behind would weaken U.S. technological and economic strength.
His remarks come amid renewed competition in digital innovation — from blockchain to artificial intelligence — as both nations vie for global dominance in emerging technologies.
America Must Stay Number One
Trump stressed that maintaining the United States’ leadership in cryptocurrency and AI is crucial for long-term national competitiveness. “If we’re not leading, China or someone else will,” he warned.
He credited his administration for positioning America at the forefront of crypto innovation, contrasting it with what he described as stagnation under President Biden. Trump’s comments align with his broader campaign message of economic and technological nationalism.
Defending His Pardon of Binance Founder CZ
The president also defended his controversial pardon of Binance co-founder Changpeng Zhao (CZ), who was convicted in 2023 of violating anti-money laundering laws. Trump dismissed the prosecution as a “Biden witch hunt,” describing Zhao as “a highly respected, successful guy” unfairly targeted for political reasons.
Also Read: Binance Founder CZ Opens Up About Prison Life with Double-Murder Cellmate: “No One Cares”
Though Trump noted that he’s less personally involved in crypto than his sons, he acknowledged the sector’s growing importance to America’s financial future. “We’re number one in crypto in the whole world because I’m the president,” he asserted.
China’s Quiet Return to the Crypto Arena
Analysts have observed that China, despite past bans, is quietly reentering the crypto market through state-linked firms and indirect investments. This renewed activity, Trump suggested, underscores the urgency for the U.S. to strengthen its innovation policies.
According to Bitbo data, the U.S. currently holds about 198,012 BTC (valued at $21.32 billion), slightly ahead of China’s 194,000 BTC holdings worth $20.89 billion — a narrowing gap that highlights intensifying competition.
Conclusion
Trump’s warning highlights a pivotal moment for U.S. digital leadership. As China ramps up its Bitcoin involvement, the race for crypto supremacy is no longer theoretical — it’s already underway. Keeping America “number one” may depend on how swiftly it adapts to the next wave of digital innovation.
