Trump Strategy Drops Crypto, Prioritizes AI and Quantum

• Trump’s new security strategy drops crypto entirely and elevates AI and quantum priorities.
• The omission moves crypto from security discussions into financial-innovation policy debates.
• The strategy marks a major reset in how the U.S ranks emerging technologies and risks.

The Trump administration released its new national security strategy on Friday and removed all mention of crypto and blockchain. The document instead named artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and biotech as the country’s most critical strategic priorities. The shift surprised many because Trump recently framed Bitcoin and crypto as areas of global competition.

The strategy said the United States must lead the world in advanced computing. Officials said AI and quantum systems define the next wave of national power. They said the United States must set global standards for these technologies. The document framed them as the core battlegrounds of international competition.

The omission of crypto stood out because previous U.S. security frameworks treated digital assets as national-security concerns. Those documents linked crypto to sanctions evasion, terrorist financing, and cybercrime. They also warned that adversaries could use blockchain systems to bypass U.S. controls. The new strategy removed those themes entirely.

A Clear Departure From Trump’s Earlier Crypto Messaging

Trump recently told CBS that he does not want China to lead the world in crypto. He also said the United States should host all Bitcoin mining. Senior officials repeated similar concerns earlier this year. CIA deputy director Michael Ellis noted crypto remains a strategic area of competition.

Despite those comments, the final strategy dropped the topic completely. Analysts said the administration now moves crypto into a market-regulation category rather than a security category. They also said the change aligns with international trends. Countries like Japan and the UAE now place crypto under financial rules instead of defense strategies.

The document made one brief reference to digital finance. It said the United States will protect its financial-sector dominance. It also said leadership in digital innovation will support market liquidity and security. Officials did not mention Bitcoin or stablecoins directly.

The administration continues to advance several crypto-related policies outside the security arena. Trump supported the GENIUS Act and turned it into law. The act created federal rules for stablecoins. Regulators said the law increased clarity for financial institutions.

Trump also created a national crypto task force this year. He signed an order banning any U.S. central bank digital currency. Federal agencies also dropped several enforcement actions against crypto companies. Officials said they now focus on clearer guidance instead of aggressive penalties.

Strategy Reorders the Technology Hierarchy

The new national security plan places AI above all other technologies. Officials said AI systems shape military power, economic leadership, and global influence. Quantum computing also received primary emphasis. The strategy framed quantum breakthroughs as critical for encryption and advanced defense tools.

The shift shows a clear reordering of Washington’s tech hierarchy. Crypto no longer appears in national-security debates. Analysts said the administration views digital assets as a financial tool instead of a geopolitical threat. They also said U.S. policymakers now separate innovation goals from defense planning.

The crypto market reacted quickly to the new document. As of press time, Bitcoin traded below $90,000 as investors digested the strategy shift. Traders also focused on the upcoming Federal Reserve meeting. Markets expect a rate cut that could influence risk assets.

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The strategy also urged NATO allies to increase defense spending. The document said partners should raise their contributions to 5% of GDP. That figure is more than double the current 2% target. Analysts said the proposal could increase borrowing and raise inflation pressures.

Investors now watch the Federal Reserve for its final decision this week. CME data shows most traders expect a 25-basis-point cut. Rate cuts often push investors toward riskier markets. The Fed outcome will influence short-term momentum.

The new strategy marks a turning point for U.S. crypto policy. The administration continues to support crypto development. However, it now removes digital assets from national-security planning. The decision signals a long-term repositioning of how the U.S views the industry.