Key Takeaways:
- Trump warns China’s growing crypto involvement could threaten U.S. global leadership.
 - Staying ahead in digital innovation is framed as vital for national competitiveness.
 - U.S. currently holds a slight Bitcoin advantage, emphasizing the need to maintain its lead.
 
U.S. President Donald Trump has sounded the alarm over China’s increasing involvement in Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. Speaking to CBS correspondent Norah O’Donnell at Mar-a-Lago, Trump stressed that Beijing’s growing influence in digital assets could challenge America’s leadership in financial technology.
“China is getting very big into Bitcoin and crypto right now,” Trump said, emphasizing the risks of losing ground in global innovation. He warned that ceding leadership in these technologies could undermine U.S. economic strength and national competitiveness.
Maintaining an Edge in Innovation
Trump highlighted the importance of staying ahead in cryptocurrency and artificial intelligence, comparing the digital asset race to the ongoing AI boom. He framed U.S. dominance in these sectors as critical to future world leadership.
“I want to keep America number one,” Trump said. “If we’re not leading, China or someone else will.” He attributed current U.S. success in crypto innovation to his administration’s policies, contrasting it with what he described as stagnation under President Biden.
Defending Binance Founder CZ Pardon
In the same interview, Trump defended his pardon of Binance co-founder Changpeng Zhao (CZ), who had pleaded guilty in 2023 to violating U.S. anti-money laundering laws. Trump dismissed the prosecution as politically motivated, calling Zhao a “highly respected, successful guy” unfairly targeted by the Biden administration.
Also Read: Binance Founder CZ Opens Up About Prison Life with Double-Murder Cellmate: “No One Cares”
Trump acknowledged that his sons are more involved in cryptocurrency than he is but stressed the sector’s economic importance. He credited his leadership for the U.S. currently holding a top position in the global crypto market.
China’s Crypto Reemergence
Trump’s warning aligns with reports of China quietly reentering the cryptocurrency space after previous bans. He argued that America must protect its technological and financial edge to maintain global economic strength.
Also Read: What Is Neo (NEO) Token? China’s Vision for a Smart Economy Blockchain
U.S. Still Holds the Lead
Data from Bitbo shows that the U.S. holds roughly 198,012 BTC, valued at $21.32 billion, compared with China’s 194,000 BTC at $20.89 billion. The narrow margin highlights the intensifying global competition for digital asset supremacy.
By emphasizing proactive policies in cryptocurrency and AI, Trump positions U.S. digital leadership as crucial for sustaining economic and technological dominance.