VanEck, a leading asset management firm, proposes the U.S. strategically use Bitcoin to reduce its national debt by 2050.
VanEck's Debt Reduction Plan
VanEck predicts that if U.S. debt continues to grow at an annual rate of 5%, and Bitcoin appreciates at an annual rate of 25%, by 2049, the national debt could be reduced by $42 trillion. This aligns with Sen. Cynthia Lummis’s proposal to accumulate 1 million Bitcoins over five years.
Bitcoin's Potential in the Global Economy
VanEck also forecasts that Bitcoin could represent 18% of the world's financial assets by 2049, with global assets growing from $900 trillion to $3,000 trillion. Mathew Sigel, VanEck’s head of research, believes Bitcoin could become a primary settlement currency in international trade, offering an alternative to the U.S. dollar, especially for sanctioned countries.
Debate Surrounding the Proposal
To advance this plan, VanEck suggests several policy changes, such as halting Bitcoin sales from asset forfeiture reserves and using the Exchange Stabilization Fund for Bitcoin purchases. Meanwhile, some experts remain skeptical. Venture capitalist Nic Carter questioned the benefit to the U.S. dollar, while economist Peter Schiff proposed a U.S. digital currency capped at 21 million coins.
VanEck’s proposal has caught the attention of both supporters and skeptics. While the idea of incorporating Bitcoin as a strategic reserve remains debated, its potential impact on the global economy cannot be overlooked.