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Speaking with entrepreneur Grant Cardone, Trump emphasised Bitcoin’s role as a store of value and a symbol of financial freedom. He framed Bitcoin as hard money for the digital age, suggesting it has become one of the most reliable stores of value globally.
The debate over Bitcoin versus gold as a safe haven has gained attention amid ongoing geopolitical tensions and inflation concerns. Historically, gold has dominated as a defensive asset, with a market capitalisation of approximately $27.6 trillion, far exceeding Bitcoin’s, which ranks just behind silver.
Over the past twelve months, gold rose by 43.3%, while Bitcoin slightly outpaced it with a 48% gain, albeit with greater volatility. Bitcoin’s shorter track record contrasts with gold’s centuries-long history, but its limited supply and predictable issuance model create a fundamentally different dynamic.
Unlike gold, which sees around $680 billion in new supply mined annually, Bitcoin’s annual issuance is capped at roughly $24 billion, creating structural scarcity that amplifies the impact of inflows.
 
Market data also highlights generational shifts in investment preferences. Younger investors, particularly those aged 18 to 39, prefer cryptocurrencies to traditional metals, while gold remains dominant among those aged 50 and older.
This trend aligns with Bitcoin’s reputation for rapid, sometimes double-digit price movements during crises, in contrast to gold’s steady, defensive performance. Examples include Bitcoin’s post-crisis rallies after the U.S.–Iran tensions in 2020 and regional banking upheavals in 2023, which outpaced gold in percentage gains.
Analysts argue that Bitcoin’s scarcity, growing adoption, and ability to deliver outsized returns in periods of market stress make it a viable long-term alternative to gold.
Industry figures such as Bitwise CEO Hunter Horsley contend that Bitcoin requires fewer buyers to sustain upward momentum than gold, making it attractive as both a store of value and a speculative hedge.