As Bitcoin finally nears the $80,000 mark after months, U.S. Admiral Samuel Paparo, Commander of the United States Indo-Pacific Command, has applauded Bitcoin.
During the 21st of April Senate Armed Services Committee hearing, Paparo referred to Bitcoin as a “power projection” tool for the United States.
He added,
Anything that supports all instruments of national power for the United States of America is to the good.
Paparo even pointed out that Bitcoin has the potential to be a “computer science tool,” which uses the proof-of-work protocol to accomplish more than just network security.
He went on to praise Bitcoin, saying that the top cryptocurrency blockchain network has “really important computer science applications for cybersecurity.”
What fear led the U.S. Admiral to say so?
The remark from Paparo follows Senator Tommy Tuberville’s questioning of American leadership in Bitcoin as a means of opposing the Chinese Communist Party.
Well, after banning crypto mining and trading in 2021, China is now stepping up with its crypto game. As per BitcoinTraesuires.NET data, China’s Bitcoin [BTC] holdings were at 190,000 BTC worth $14.88 billion on the 22nd of April, 2026.
This comes at the back of the crypto market standing strong against the traditional market during the Iran-U.S. war.
Additionally, an earlier report from AMBCrypto further highlighted that in ‘7 out of 7‘ crises, Bitcoin has stood strong against gold and S&P 500 stocks.
Rise in crypto scams adds another layer of fear
In fact, by allowing cryptocurrency tolls on ships traveling through the Strait of Hormuz, Iran went one step further and strengthened Bitcoin as a safeguard against censorship.
However, this widespread use also resulted in fraudsters posing as Iranian authorities and sending shipping companies phony messages.
According to MARISKS, the scammers requested cryptocurrency payments to guarantee the safe passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz to the hundreds of ships that are stranded in the Gulf.
In addition, North Korea’s Lazarus Group has emerged as a major player in the rise in scams and crimes in the cryptocurrency space. In April 2026 alone, they were able to drain over $600 million from different exploits.
Therefore, it becomes crucial to secure digital assets because the US has the largest Bitcoin reserves and the largest share of the hashrate.
Steps taken by the U.S. to stand out
However, with the “Mined in America Act,” put forth by U.S. lawmakers Cynthia Lummis and Bill Cassidy, the U.S. has already taken steps to boost domestic cryptocurrency mining while reducing dependency on foreign supply chains.
Additionally, through its Office of Cybersecurity and Critical Infrastructure Protection (OCCIP), the U.S. Department of the Treasury has also started a new cybersecurity initiative.
Through this program, blockchain companies will be able to share timely cyber threat information to help them defend against attacks and stay safe.
Final Summary
- The U.S. admiral has applauded Bitcoin as a crucial computer science application for cybersecurity.
- China’s growing interest in cryptocurrencies demands that the United States take specific actions to maintain its leadership in the world market.