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Bitcoin’s Uncertain Future: Impact of Trump’s Administration on Crypto Prices and Regulations

Hannah Perry | February 26, 2025

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Bitcoin Faces Uncertainty as Expectations from Trump Administration Fade

The cryptocurrency market has been shaken by challenges in the wake of President Donald Trump’s inauguration, which many had anticipated would bring favorable conditions for Bitcoin (BTCUSD) and the crypto ecosystem as a whole. Bitcoin had soared to an all-time high of $109,225 on January 20, the day Trump took office, setting the stage for what was termed the ultimate “Trump trade.” However, the excitement has since waned, with Bitcoin dropping over 20% from its peak, now trading around $87,080.

The Rise and Fall of Bitcoin’s Initial Rally

The anticipation leading up to Trump’s inauguration was palpable, with crypto advocates hopeful for regulatory relief and a more mainstream acceptance of digital currencies. During the period between Trump’s Election Day victory on November 5 and his inauguration, Bitcoin surged by an impressive 57%. This price hike was driven by expectations that the new administration would propel cryptocurrency forward by potentially creating a U.S. Bitcoin reserve and implementing less restrictive regulatory measures.

However, the optimism that propelled this rally has not translated into sustained support. Analysts have noted several factors contributing to the current selloff, including:

  • The fallout from a scandal involving a meme coin backed by Argentina’s president.
  • A significant $1.4 billion hack on crypto exchange Bybit, one of the largest in operation.
  • Concerns surrounding Trump’s economic policies, particularly regarding trade and tariffs, which have raised inflation fears and affected market stability.

The Current State of Bitcoin

As of Tuesday afternoon, Bitcoin had fallen to around $87,080, reflecting a decline of 7.3% on that day alone. The cryptocurrency hit a low point of $85,991, marking its lowest trading level since November 12. Investors and analysts are keenly watching Bitcoin’s support levels, with expert Joel Kruger, market strategist at LMAX Group, indicating that the next support threshold lies between $70,000 to $75,000.

Kruger noted that much of the initial optimism surrounding a potentially favorable regulatory environment for crypto has already been priced into Bitcoin’s value. For Bitcoin to reignite its rally, investors will need more definitive and actionable crypto policies to emerge from the Trump administration.

Regulatory Developments Post-Inauguration

In a bid to address regulatory concerns, Trump established a crypto working group earlier this year. This group’s mandate includes proposing federal regulatory frameworks related to the issuance and operation of digital assets. As part of their objectives, they are expected to submit recommendations for advancing U.S. crypto policies within the next 180 days. This includes evaluating the potential for a national digital-asset stockpile and criteria necessary for its establishment.

Wider Market Implications and Investor Sentiment

Currently, the cryptocurrency landscape is fraught with negative news that is affecting trader sentiment. The recent scandal involving Argentina President Javier Milei has garnered attention as he faces impeachment calls for endorsing a little-known cryptocurrency called libra—a digital asset that saw a dramatic rise followed by an equally sharp decrease in value. This unexpected turn of events has sent ripples through the crypto community, causing investors to re-evaluate their positions.

Moreover, the Bybit hack, which resulted in the theft of more than $1.4 billion in crypto assets, accentuates the ongoing security challenges inherent in the crypto ecosystem. As Charles Guillemet, CTO at Ledger, emphasized, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities that continue to exist within this space.

Conclusion: Navigating a Turbulent Crypto Landscape

Bitcoin’s current downturn highlights a complex interplay of regulatory uncertainty, market sentiment, and external economic pressures tied to Trump’s administration. As Bitcoin approaches critical support levels, the focus is on the regulatory proposals that emerge from Trump’s working group and how quickly these can be implemented. For crypto investors, the road ahead may depend on navigating both the political and economic challenges that accompany this new era of digital currency under the current administration.

With these factors at play, the cryptocurrency market remains in a precarious state, balancing between the aspirations raised by Trump’s promises and the realities of recent market developments. Investors will need to remain vigilant as they weigh opportunities against a backdrop of potential risks and regulatory changes in the months to come.