State becomes the first in the country to buy and hold Bitcoin, highlighting a long-term digital-asset strategy despite weakening market sentiment
Texas has officially become the first U.S. state to purchase and hold Bitcoin, acquiring $5 million in ETF-based BTC through the iShares Bitcoin Trust and approving another $5 million for direct, self-custodied Bitcoin. The move stands out because it comes during a period of nationwide market pullback and political hesitation.
Texas executed its purchase under the newly enacted Texas Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Act, passed in June 2025. While more than two dozen states discussed similar proposals earlier this year, most paused their efforts as crypto prices softened and ETF outflows reflected waning confidence. Texas, however, accelerated, signaling a deliberately counter-cyclical strategy.
Texas leaders have long embraced digital-asset innovation. Governor Greg Abbott has publicly supported Bitcoin for over a decade, calling it a decentralized tool that enables secure, instant transactions. His administration has repeatedly emphasized the importance of early adoption, and the state continues to cultivate one of the country’s most active blockchain ecosystems.
According to Lee Bratcher of the Texas Blockchain Council, the timing is intentional. He described the acquisition as a multi-decade strategic decision, saying Texas is evaluating Bitcoin “in decades rather than years.” Bratcher argues that the state’s energy strength, expanding tech sector and pro-innovation environment make it well positioned for early sovereign-style BTC exposure.
Texas’ purchase signals confidence in Bitcoin’s long-term role even as national momentum slows.
The key question now is whether other states will follow—or whether Texas will remain the outlier pushing digital-asset policy forward during a downturn.
Disclaimer
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Cryptocurrency trading involves risk and may result in financial loss.