Nikolas Sargeant
Republican Representative Troy Downing has introduced legislation to transform President Donald Trump's cryptocurrency retirement account executive order into permanent law. The bill, presented before the House Financial Services Committee, would codify Executive Order 14330, which permits alternative assets including digital currencies to be included in 401(k) retirement plans.
Trump issued the executive order in August, stating that Americans preparing for retirement should have access to funds containing alternative investments when appropriate. These assets include private market investments, real estate, commodities, infrastructure projects, and digital assets held through managed investment vehicles. However, executive orders can be reversed by future administrations or courts, prompting the legislative effort to make the policy permanent.
The push for cryptocurrency inclusion in retirement accounts has gained momentum throughout the year. In May, the Department of Labor withdrew Biden-era guidance that cautioned fiduciaries against including crypto in 401(k) plans. Nine lawmakers later urged the SEC to accelerate implementation of Trump's order, emphasizing that 90 million Americans are currently restricted from investing in alternative assets for retirement.
Americans currently hold approximately $9.3 trillion in 401(k) accounts as of June 2025. While some experts warn of risks associated with adding digital assets to retirement portfolios, cryptocurrency advocates believe the move could attract billions in new capital and mark a significant milestone for Bitcoin adoption in traditional financial planning.
