**Title:** U.S. May Begin Bitcoin Purchases by 2026, Says Cathie Wood
**Meta Description:** Cathie Wood predicts that political factors could lead the U.S. to start buying Bitcoin by 2026, as cryptocurrency gains traction in policy discussions.
**URL Slug:** us-bitcoin-purchases-2026-cathie-wood
**Headline:** Cathie Wood Predicts U.S. Could Start Buying Bitcoin by 2026 Amid Political Shifts
As the political landscape evolves, Cathie Wood, founder of ARK Invest, believes that the United States may begin purchasing Bitcoin by 2026. Wood argues that political motivations, rather than just market dynamics, could drive the U.S. government to actively acquire Bitcoin for a national strategic reserve. This assertion comes as cryptocurrency has emerged as a significant political issue, particularly for President Donald Trump, who may leverage this momentum as the 2026 midterm elections approach.
Wood highlighted that cryptocurrency played a crucial role in Trump’s previous presidential victory, suggesting that he has a vested interest in maintaining favorable relations with the crypto industry. “The most important one is that he doesn’t want to be a lame duck. He wants to have another one or two productive years, and I think he sees crypto as a path to the future,” Wood stated during a recent episode of ARK’s Bitcoin Brainstorm podcast.
The U.S. Bitcoin reserve was established shortly after Trump began his second term, alongside a broader digital asset strategy and an interagency working group led by Special Advisor for AI and Crypto, David Sacks. However, the reserve has thus far only included Bitcoin obtained through criminal forfeitures, which Trump has committed not to sell. Wood noted, “It seems as though there has been reticence about actually buying Bitcoin for the strategic reserve. So far, it’s confiscated [Bitcoin].” She believes this approach may change, stating, “The original intent was to own one million Bitcoins, so I actually think they will start buying.”
The cryptocurrency sector has become a more organized political force in recent election cycles, with industry-backed political action committees investing heavily in congressional races. Prominent executives have publicly supported Trump and contributed to his campaign. The administration has also made efforts to engage with the crypto community, hosting events and collaborating with firms like Coinbase, Tether, and Ripple on various initiatives.
On the policy front, Trump has signed executive orders to establish the Bitcoin reserve and a broader crypto stockpile, while also supporting legislative efforts like the GENIUS Act, which aims to formalize stablecoin regulations. A report from Sacks’ working group outlined recommendations, including granting the Commodity Futures Trading Commission authority over spot markets for non-security digital assets. The report reaffirmed that the Bitcoin reserve and crypto stockpile would be managed by the Treasury Department and initially funded with forfeited assets.
In conclusion, as the political landscape shifts and the 2026 midterm elections draw closer, the potential for the U.S. government to begin purchasing Bitcoin could become a reality, driven by both political strategy and the growing significance of cryptocurrency in national policy.
**FAQ Section:**
**Q: Why does Cathie Wood believe the U.S. will start buying Bitcoin?**
A: Wood believes that political motivations, particularly as the 2026 midterm elections approach, will encourage the U.S. government to actively purchase Bitcoin for a national strategic reserve.
