Cathie Wood Says Trump May End Bitcoin Payment Taxes

• Wood says Trump could remove capital gains tax on small Bitcoin payments this year.

• She links crypto policy moves to 2026 midterms and voter support dynamics.

• U.S. Bitcoin reserve may expand beyond seized assets toward new purchases.

ARK Invest founder Cathie Wood said President Donald Trump may remove capital gains taxes on Bitcoin payments this year. She shared the view during a recent episode of the Bitcoin Brainstorm podcast. Wood linked the potential move to U.S. midterm elections, crypto voter support, and Trump’s efforts to avoid lame-duck status.

Midterms and Crypto Policy Pressure

Cathie Wood said crypto remains politically important for Donald Trump as midterm elections approach. She explained that 2026 elections could weaken presidential influence. As a result, she said Trump may accelerate crypto-related policy actions.

Notably, Wood said Trump plans to work with his crypto and AI czar. One focus, she said, involves advancing a de minimis tax ruling. That rule would remove capital gains taxes on small Bitcoin transactions. Wood said grassroots crypto usage depends heavily on such tax clarity.

She also noted hesitation so far around direct Bitcoin purchases for the U.S. strategic reserve. However, she said that stance may soon change.

U.S. Bitcoin Reserve and Buying Expectations

Wood said the U.S. Bitcoin reserve was created early in Trump’s second term by executive action. So far, she said, the reserve consists of confiscated Bitcoin assets. Trump previously pledged not to sell those holdings.

According to Wood, the original plan targeted ownership of one million bitcoins. She said this goal suggests future purchases may occur. She added that buying Bitcoin could support Trump politically ahead of midterms.

Wood also said crypto voters played a role in Trump’s election victory. Additionally, she pointed to Trump’s family exposure to Bitcoin and other crypto assets. She said those factors reinforce continued engagement with the sector.

Productivity Goals and Crypto Strategy

Wood said Trump aims to remain productive rather than symbolic during his remaining term. She described crypto as part of that strategy. According to her, Trump sees digital assets as aligned with future economic growth.

She also referenced earlier discussions about decentralized assets tied to Trump’s family. Wood said some of those initiatives struggled recently. However, she framed broader crypto policy as separate from those outcomes.

According to Wood, the combination of elections, policy timing, and industry support increases the likelihood of action. She said removing capital gains taxes on Bitcoin payments could happen this year.