U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent marked the 17th anniversary of the Bitcoin white paper with a bold statement that reignited the crypto policy debate in Washington. On October 31, Bessent posted on X (formerly Twitter) that Bitcoin “never shuts down,” a remark both praising the network’s uptime and taking a subtle jab at Senate Democrats during the ongoing federal government shutdown.
The timing and tone of his message suggest that the Treasury’s top official is positioning Bitcoin not only as a resilient technology but also as a symbol of financial independence — and possibly, a new pillar in the nation’s long-term economic strategy.
A Nod to Bitcoin’s Origins
October 31 holds special meaning for the crypto community. On that date in 2008, Bitcoin’s anonymous creator, Satoshi Nakamoto, published the now-famous white paper titled “Bitcoin: A Peer-to-Peer Electronic Cash System.” The nine-page document introduced the world to decentralized money — a digital asset that can be transferred without banks or governments.
Since its network went live in January 2009, Bitcoin has run continuously, processing transactions every minute of every day for nearly 17 years without interruption. Bessent’s post referencing Bitcoin’s “never shuts down” nature underscored that resilience, contrasting it with Washington’s recurring gridlocks.
As the U.S. government entered its 11th recorded shutdown earlier this month, about 900,000 workers were furloughed, and critical agencies like the CDC and NIH curtailed services. In that context, the Treasury Secretary’s comment came across as both praise for technological reliability and a critique of political dysfunction.
Treasury’s Increasingly Pro-Crypto Stance
Bessent’s praise for Bitcoin fits into a broader pattern of crypto-positive messaging coming from the Treasury Department this year.
In July, after President Trump signed the GENIUS Act — a bill aimed at creating a framework for stablecoin regulation — Bessent publicly referred to stablecoins as “a revolution in digital finance.” He argued that a U.S.-backed digital dollar system could strengthen the dollar’s dominance while increasing access to faster, cheaper cross-border payments.
Then, in August, he suggested that Bitcoin forfeited to the government through law enforcement actions could form the foundation of a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve. He added that the Treasury would explore “budget-neutral methods” to expand that reserve, signaling interest in accumulating Bitcoin holdings without additional taxpayer funding.
These remarks positioned Bessent as one of the most crypto-friendly Treasury leaders to date, framing Bitcoin and stablecoins as strategic tools for U.S. economic competitiveness.
Crypto Community Reacts
Bessent’s latest post stirred up a mix of excitement, skepticism, and humor across the crypto community.
Bitcoin Core developer Luke Dashjr pushed back against the Secretary’s phrasing, claiming Bitcoin was “weaker than ever” due to internal disagreements over new software updates. His comment reflected long-standing tensions within Bitcoin’s open-source community about maintaining network purity and decentralization.
Researcher Eric Wall responded sarcastically, saying “Bitcoin died after the core v30 release,” mocking recurring claims of Bitcoin’s decline after technical upgrades.
Meanwhile, investor Simon Dixon interpreted Bessent’s message as an indirect critique of the current monetary system, emphasizing that Bitcoin’s primary value lies in shielding citizens from political interference and currency debasement.
Some commentators focused less on politics and more on policy. Trader Fred Krueger urged the Treasury to “buy for the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve,” while digital asset strategist Gabor Gurbacs encouraged officials to “put Bitcoin on the balance sheet.”
The conversation revealed a growing divide between Bitcoin’s ideological purists, who prioritize decentralization above all else, and pragmatic investors who see government adoption as inevitable — and potentially bullish.
The Political Undertone
Beyond crypto circles, Bessent’s message landed in a politically charged environment. The U.S. federal government has been partially shut down since October 1 due to a deadlock over fiscal 2026 spending bills. With around 2 million employees working without pay and vital agencies suspended, the shutdown has become a symbol of Washington dysfunction.
By drawing attention to Bitcoin’s 24/7 uptime, Bessent indirectly contrasted the blockchain’s reliability with the federal government’s inability to stay operational. “Bitcoin never shuts down” reads as both a technological observation and a rhetorical jab — a reminder that code runs more efficiently than Congress.
His comment also echoes sentiments often shared by crypto advocates like Elon Musk and former PayPal executive David Marcus, who argue that blockchain networks represent the future of trust and efficiency in financial systems.
A Strategic Future for Bitcoin in U.S. Policy
While Bessent’s post was brief, its implications could be far-reaching. If the Treasury continues exploring a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, it would mark a major shift in how the United States views digital assets — from speculative instruments to national reserves akin to gold.
Such a move could strengthen America’s financial resilience and reinforce Bitcoin’s legitimacy in global markets. It would also follow a growing trend of governments considering crypto assets as part of their monetary diversification strategy.
With the Treasury now openly discussing stablecoins, reserves, and digital currency rails, it’s clear that Bitcoin has entered the policy mainstream. Bessent’s comments might not immediately translate into official action, but they signal a cultural shift within one of the most powerful institutions in global finance.
As the federal government struggles to reopen, Bitcoin’s uninterrupted operation — now approaching two decades — stands as a quiet but powerful contrast. And for the Treasury Secretary, it’s also a convenient metaphor: a system that keeps running no matter how divided Washington becomes.
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