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    Vignesh is a young journalist with a decade of experience. A proud alumnus of IIJNM, Bengaluru, he spent six years as a Sub-Editor for a leading business magazine, published from Kerala. His interest in futuristic technologies took him to a US-based software company specialising in Web3, Blockchain and AI. This stint inspired him to view the future of journalism through the lens of next generation technologies. Now, he covers the crypto scene for Coinpedia, uncovering a vibrant new world where technology and journalism converge.

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    Should Trump’s Crypto Reserve Be Bitcoin-Only? Experts Say Altcoins Are a Risk

    Story Highlights
    • The US government is planning a cryptocurrency reserve, sparking debate about its composition.

    • Experts like Will Baxter argue strongly for a Bitcoin-only reserve, citing Bitcoin's decentralization and security.

    • Baxter criticizes altcoins for centralized control, pre-mined supplies, and potential security vulnerabilities.

    Since President Donald Trump confirmed plans to create a U.S. cryptocurrency reserve, speculation has been running wild. Will it be Bitcoin-only, or will major altcoins like XRP, Solana, Ethereum, and Cardano make the cut? Opinions are sharply divided.

    Some believe including altcoins would make the reserve more diverse and adaptable. But others, like Will Baxter, argue that anything other than Bitcoin would be a huge mistake. His reasoning? Decentralization, security, and long-term value.

    So, is a Bitcoin-only reserve the smarter move, or are altcoins being unfairly dismissed? Let’s dive into Baxter’s arguments and find out.

    Trump’s Pro-Crypto Shift: A Big Policy Change

    Donald Trump’s return to the White House has dramatically changed the U.S. government’s approach to crypto.

    Shortly after taking office, the Trump administration introduced several pro-crypto policies, including:

    • Forming a crypto task force under the SEC to create clear regulations.
    • Appointing pro-crypto leaders to key positions in the White House.

    The biggest move so far? The confirmation of a U.S. crypto reserve. However, the government hasn’t revealed which cryptocurrencies will be included. While some expect a mix of Bitcoin and altcoins, Baxter argues that the reserve should be Bitcoin-only.

    Why Baxter Wants a Bitcoin-Only Reserve

    1. Bitcoin Is the Only Truly Decentralized Asset

    Baxter emphasizes that Bitcoin is the only cryptocurrency that is fully decentralized. Unlike altcoins, which are often controlled by founding teams or companies, Bitcoin has no central authority influencing it.

    2. Altcoins Give Insiders an Unfair Advantage

    Baxter is concerned about pre-mined supply, which gives early investors a big edge.

    • Bitcoin has no pre-mined supply—every coin is mined fairly.
    • Ethereum pre-sold 70% of its initial supply, benefiting insiders.
    • Ripple controls 55% of all XRP, and Solana insiders own 50% of SOL.

    According to Baxter, this makes altcoins too centralized to be included in a national crypto reserve.

    Security and Censorship Resistance Concerns

    The expert has also pointed out the importance of security. Bitcoin is known for its robust mining network. It is considered as highly secure. Are altcoins as secure as BTC? The sensible answer is no. It is not sensible to include a crypto with a questionable security framework to the national reserve of a country which wants its economic system to be highly resistant to external threats. 

    4. Ethereum’s History Proves It’s Not Immutable

    The expert has explained how a hack exposed the fundamental weakness of the world’s largest altcoin. Ethereum lost approximately $60 million in the DAO hack. Emphasising how Etheruem rolled back its blockchain after the hack, the expert has argued that Ethereum can be altered when convenient. 

    5. Bitcoin’s Real-World Usage vs. Altcoin Speculation 

    Baxter has also argued that altcoins see minimal real economic activity compared to Bitcoin. 

    Bitcoin is used by millions as a store of value and settles. 

    6. Bitcoin’s Fixed Supply vs. Altcoin Inflation

    Bitcoin has a fixed supply of 21 million coins, making it scarce and valuable.

    Meanwhile, altcoins—including Ethereum—have changed their supply rules multiple times, making them less predictable.

    7. Did Altcoins Lobby Their Way Into the Reserve?

    Baxter has alleged that altcoins like XRP, Solana, Ethereum and Cardano have lobbied their way into the US crypto reserve. He has explained why it is unfair to include altcoins in the reserve, asking: “we don’t put tech stocks on our national balance sheet. Why would we put their blockchain equivalents there?”

    No matter which assets make the cut, the U.S. crypto reserve will mark a defining moment in financial history.

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    FAQs

    What is Trump’s US Crypto Reserve Plan?

    Donald Trump’s administration confirmed plans to establish a US crypto reserve, but details on its composition remain unclear. Bitcoin is a likely inclusion.

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