- 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 via sweeping coverage strikes, regulatory adjustments, and controversial private involvement.
From the launch of a 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, govt 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 Financial (WLFI) launched the second part 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 steer the CFTC.
David Sacks, a vocal supporter of crypto, was appointed to chair the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology, 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.
Despite being non-tradable and unavailable on main exchanges, the challenge drew consideration from retail traders hoping for eventual utility.
WLFI’s promotional materials additionally teased unique entry perks for prime holders, culminating in a controversial occasion later within the quarter.
Trade tariffs shake miners, whereas Bitcoin reserve takes form
Just weeks into the new administration, Trump’s financial nationalism started to influence the crypto industry.
On 1 February, broad tariffs have been imposed on Mexico, China, and Canada, citing safety and fentanyl considerations.
Markets dipped in response, with Bitcoin miners significantly affected resulting from larger import prices for important {hardware}.
The state of affairs escalated on 2 April when Trump launched a ten% minimal tariff on all international locations that tax US items, branding it “Liberation Day.”
Meanwhile, on March 7, the president signed an govt order establishing a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve.
Though the transfer was meant to formalise the US’s stake in crypto markets, it disenchanted many traders by not initiating contemporary purchases.
$TRUMP token dinner fuels backlash and ethics probe
Donald Trump’s $TRUMP meme coin surged over 50% in worth to achieve a $2.7 billion market cap after the challenge introduced that the highest 220 token holders could be invited to a black-tie dinner with the previous US president on 22 May.
The occasion, hosted at his non-public membership in Washington, additionally features a VIP White House tour for the highest 25 holders.
According to Chainalysis, Trump and his allies earned almost $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 via 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 under a three-year vesting schedule.
The dinner supply 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.
Meanwhile, Trump’s broader crypto ventures, together with the $MELANIA token and World Liberty Financial, 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 under Trump’s administration.
