A nation-state that loses control of coinage is only a short step away from dissolution into anarchy. That was the reason for counterfeiting of national currency being capital offense in civilised human societies. Allowing unauthorised exchange medium to replace national currency is akin to following a policy of national and racial suicide. It would be odd of the US Treasury department to freely acknowledge a non-government sanctioned exchange medium to be classified as money. The Secretary is merely performing his duty to the public.