- SEC and CFTC management reshuffled to favour digital asset regulation.
- Strategic Bitcoin Reserve created, however with out new BTC purchases.
- WLFI stablecoin launch triggered requires an ethics investigation.
The first 100 days of US President Donald Trump’s second time period have reshaped the cryptocurrency and blockchain panorama by means of sweeping coverage strikes, regulatory adjustments, and controversial private involvement.
From the launch of a brand new meme coin forward of the Inauguration Day to the creation of a US Bitcoin reserve, President Trump has pushed an aggressively pro-crypto stance, whereas concurrently sparking regulatory concern, geopolitical pressure, and important market volatility.
A sequence of tariffs, government orders, and personnel appointments have created each alternative and uncertainty throughout digital asset markets.
WLFI token launch, SEC shakeup mark begin of time period
On 20 January, as Trump took the oath of workplace, his household’s funding agency World Liberty Monetary (WLFI) launched the second section of its token sale.
The non-transferable WLFI token was adopted by a wave of crypto-friendly appointments.
Paul Atkins was named as SEC Chair on day one, changing Gary Gensler, whereas Brian Quintenz was nominated to guide the CFTC.
David Sacks, a vocal supporter of crypto, was appointed to chair the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Know-how, positioning him as a central determine in each blockchain and AI policymaking.
The WLFI token, initially marketed as a patriotic memecoin aligned with Trump’s return to energy, gained traction on platforms like X and Telegram.
The token’s branding closely featured themes tied to American exceptionalism and conservative values.
Regardless of being non-tradable and unavailable on main exchanges, the undertaking drew consideration from retail traders hoping for eventual utility.
WLFI’s promotional materials additionally teased unique entry perks for high holders, culminating in a controversial occasion later within the quarter.
Commerce tariffs shake miners, whereas Bitcoin reserve takes form
Simply weeks into the brand new administration, Trump’s financial nationalism started to impression the crypto business.
On 1 February, broad tariffs had been imposed on Mexico, China, and Canada, citing safety and fentanyl considerations.
Markets dipped in response, with Bitcoin miners significantly affected attributable to larger import prices for important {hardware}.
The scenario escalated on 2 April when Trump launched a ten% minimal tariff on all nations that tax US items, branding it “Liberation Day.”
In the meantime, on March 7, the president signed an government order establishing a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve.
Although the transfer was supposed to formalise the US’s stake in crypto markets, it disenchanted many traders by not initiating recent purchases.
$TRUMP token dinner fuels backlash and ethics probe
Donald Trump’s $TRUMP meme coin surged over 50% in worth to succeed in a $2.7 billion market cap after the undertaking introduced that the highest 220 token holders could be invited to a black-tie dinner with the previous US president on 22 Could.
The occasion, hosted at his non-public membership in Washington, additionally features a VIP White Home tour for the highest 25 holders.
In line with Chainalysis, Trump and his allies earned practically $900,000 in buying and selling charges from the token in simply two days following the announcement.
Since its January launch, the token has generated $324.5 million in buying and selling charges by means of a mechanism that redirects a portion of every transaction to insider wallets.
The Trump Organisation and associates reportedly management round 80% of the token provide, which is locked below a three-year vesting schedule.
The dinner provide has triggered backlash from lawmakers and watchdogs, with Senators Elizabeth Warren and Adam Schiff calling for a federal ethics probe, alleging it might represent “pay to play” behaviour.
In the meantime, Trump’s broader crypto ventures, together with the $MELANIA token and World Liberty Monetary, have raised $550 million, with Trump-affiliated entities entitled to 75% of web income.
The shift comes amid weakened regulatory oversight of the crypto sector below Trump’s administration.