Unpacking the DOJ’s Alleged Bitcoin Sale
A fresh controversy is stirring in the cryptocurrency community, with claims that the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) violated a strategic Bitcoin reserve order issued during Donald Trump’s presidency. The focal point of this debate surrounds the alleged sale of 57.55 BTC, estimated to be worth $6 million, via Coinbase Prime in November 2025. But how accurate are these allegations?
The Origins of the Controversy
The allegations gained traction on X (formerly Twitter), where several posts highlighted court documents about Bitcoin forfeited by the co-founders of Samourai Wallet — Keonne Rodriguez and William Lonergan Hill. According to these posts, the sale of the Bitcoin conflicted with Executive Order 14233, which purportedly mandates that forfeited funds should be added to the U.S. Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, not liquidated.
What Do the Court Documents Reveal?
Upon closer examination, court filings indicate that Rodriguez and Hill entered into an Asset Liquidation Agreement. This agreement, legally approved by the U.S. government, authorized the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) to liquidate approximately $6.36 million worth of Bitcoin. This is standard protocol for federal forfeiture cases.
While rumors claim the Bitcoin was sold in late 2025, on-chain data shows internal transfers to Coinbase-controlled wallets rather than outright sales. These transactions likely represent custodial activities and not actual liquidation events. Without formal confirmation from the DOJ or blockchain evidence to directly support the sale, the claims remain speculative.
Does Executive Order 14233 Exist?
No official documentation or confirmation has been found that verifies the existence of an Executive Order titled 14233 mandating the retention of forfeited Bitcoin. Further, no government statements or filings suggest that the DOJ violated any executive directive.
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Conclusion
While the DOJ’s actions remain a topic of heated discussion, there’s currently no conclusive evidence to prove that Trump’s Bitcoin reserve order was violated. As the crypto world continues to evolve, staying informed through credible sources is more important than ever. Be sure to do your own research before forming opinions or making investment decisions.