Deputy CIA director: Bitcoin is now a matter of national security

Deputy director of the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), Michael Ellis, says that the agency is increasingly incorporating Bitcoin as a tool in its operations. According to him, working with Bitcoin is a matter of national security.

On the market analyst and investor’s show, Ellis told Anthony Pompliano that the intelligence agency works with law enforcement to keep an eye on Bitcoin and that it is a place where data is collected for counter-intelligence activities.  He said, “There is tremendous potential for the law enforcement and intelligence community to be able to use.”

🚨 @CIA's Michael Ellis calls Bitcoin a key national security + intelligence tool.

🇺🇸 Crypto isn’t going anywhere — and the U.S. needs to stay ahead.

🌐 Big words from the intelligence world.#Bitcoin #Crypto #CIA #GlobalTechRace pic.twitter.com/8YNNr0HW7J

— Voice Of Web3 🎙 | Decentralized Discussions (@VoiceOfWeb3_) May 2, 2025

He said that just as technology is a tool, Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies are a tool in the toolbox. He said, “In that respect, Bitcoin is very similar to other sorts of advanced technologies and one that we have to prioritize.”

Michael Ellis says that Bitcoin helps track what our adversaries are doing

According to Ellis, cryptocurrencies help track what the US adversaries are doing and, therefore, disrupt them. 

Therefore, Ellis argues that the US has to make sure that it is a leader in these fields internationally and not a laggard.  He said, “It’s another area of competition where we need to ensure the United States is well-positioned against China and other adversaries.”

Currently, global BTC adoption has surpassed 500 million users, with emerging markets like India, Nigeria, and Argentina leading in per capita adoption. Countries such as El Salvador, the UAE, Switzerland, and Singapore are leading the way with pro-Bitcoin policies, supportive leadership, and crypto innovation hubs.

Bitcoin merchant adoption is growing globally, with the US, EU countries, and crypto tourism hotspots. This shows that countries are taking Bitcoin seriously. The US still has a number of leaders who want nothing to do with crypto, hence causing some level of unseriousness. 

Also, those who are supporters of Bitcoin are not so sure. The government made a rule that government funds cannot be used to buy Bitcoin. That alone shows that Bitcoin has not been fully embraced.

Bitcoin is here to stay, says Ellis

The biggest challenge that BTC and other cryptocurrencies have faced is their criminal records. These have brought fear and pushed investors away. However, according to Ellis, criminals use many other materials that don’t get banned for that reason.

Unfortunately, nations have banned crypto because of criminal activities. The other reason is that crypto is viewed like it is for those who are hiding something. Ellis said that BTC and crypto are not anonymous. 

He also said, “Bitcoin is here to stay, cryptocurrency is here to stay […]more and more institutions are adopting it and I think that is a great trend and one that you know this administration is obviously leaning more forward into.

Ellis’s words say that BTC is becoming more mature as an asset. They also show that governments and institutions are becoming more involved in Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.

Every region is trying to figure out blockchain technology and how to use it in the best way. For instance, the EU is leading with unified crypto regulation via Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA). It has figured out how to balance consumer protection with innovation support.

On the other hand, the UAE, Switzerland, El Salvador, Singapore, and parts of the US are fostering innovation with clear, crypto-friendly laws. China and India have created a tax-heavy environment. Some African nations are clamping down with restrictions or heavy taxation.

Meanwhile, the crypto market jumped 3.85% with a trade volume of $79.5 billion, which brought the market back to the $3 trillion mark. In addition, the price of BTC has surpassed the $97k mark. Currently trading at $97,053.

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