The political landscape in Venezuela is shifting as attention focuses on opposition leader Maria Corina Machado following the ousting of President Nicolás Maduro. Machado, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, has proposed the idea of integrating Bitcoin into a national reserve for a “new” Venezuela. This concept raises questions about the cryptocurrency’s role in stabilizing the nation, particularly in light of its economic struggles.
Machado has long advocated for Bitcoin, describing it as a “lifeline” for Venezuelans facing severe hyperinflation. In an interview from 2024, she emphasized the potential of Bitcoin to provide financial security in a country where traditional monetary systems have faltered. Her vision includes leveraging Bitcoin as a fundamental component of the national reserves, which could significantly alter Venezuela’s economic strategy.
Venezuela has a noteworthy history of cryptocurrency adoption, largely driven by the need for monetary alternatives amidst persistent hyperinflation. Citizens have turned to cryptocurrencies to safeguard their assets, while the government has utilized Tether (USDT) and Bitcoin to circumvent international sanctions. According to data from blockchain analytics firm Chainalysis, Venezuela recorded nearly $45 billion in cryptocurrency transactions between July 2024 and June 2025. This figure places Venezuela ahead of notable countries like Japan and Argentina in the 2025 Global Crypto Adoption Index.
There are also unconfirmed reports suggesting that Venezuela may possess a substantial reserve of Bitcoin. A report by Project Brazen claims that the nation could hold as much as $60 billion in Bitcoin. In contrast, a conservative estimate from Bitcointreasuries.net indicates that Venezuela’s holdings might be around 240 BTC, valued at approximately $22 million at present.
The implications of these potential reserves are significant. Speculation has arisen, notably from CNBC, regarding the possibility of the United States seizing Venezuela’s Bitcoin assets and incorporating them into its own Strategic Bitcoin Reserve. This scenario could create a bullish outlook for the cryptocurrency market; however, the legality of such an action remains contentious.
Despite her ambitions, Machado faces challenges in assuming power. With the current government still under the control of Maduro’s deputy, Delcy Eloína Rodríguez, the likelihood of Machado being recognized as Venezuela’s leader appears slim. Betting markets on platforms like Polymarket show low confidence in her leadership prospects.
In a recent interview with Fox News, Machado reaffirmed her commitment to returning to Venezuela, expressing hope for a political transformation.
As of the latest available data, Bitcoin is trading at $90,974.85, reflecting a slight increase of 0.22% over the past 24 hours. The evolving situation in Venezuela, particularly regarding Machado’s plans and the country’s cryptocurrency landscape, will continue to attract attention from both political analysts and financial investors.
