Trump’s Return to the White House: What to Expect from the Inauguration of the First Pro-Cryptocurrency President of the United States

On January 20, the 47th President of the United States of America — Donald Trump is expected to be inaugurated. His return to the White House caused a wave of discussions in the crypto community, as well as significant price fluctuations. A loyal approach to the regulation of digital assets and potential changes in the leadership of the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) could change the cryptocurrency industry forever. But what will this bring: new opportunities or risks? On the eve of the important date, let’s take a look at the key initiatives of the Trump administration, their potential impact on the crypto market, and the implications for investors and companies.

What exactly will change?

One of the most important changes will be new leadership of the SEC (Bye, Gary Gensler!). The main figures in this process are commissioners Hester Piers and Mark Ueda, who are known for their support of cryptocurrencies. They are expected to begin the process of revising existing regulations and clarify when cryptocurrencies can be considered securities.

• The SEC is likely to freeze or reconsider some litigation initiated by the previous chairman. Particular attention will be paid to cases not related to fraud, namely disputes over token classification.
• Regulators plan to initiate a dialogue with the public and the industry to create new rules that will take into account the unique features of crypto assets.
• Pro-cryptocurrency Congressman Tom Emmer has been appointed to a leadership position in the Subcommittee on Digital Assets. He has already declared his intention to promote American values in this area. Emmer, along with other cryptocurrency supporters in Congress, is likely to develop laws that will protect the interests of investors and entrepreneurs.
• David Sachs, co-founder of PayPal, appointed to the position «cryptoczar» and curator of artificial intelligence at the White House. He will be responsible for holding «Cryptoball» January 17.

What can change (according to rumors)?

Donald Trump is expected to issue a series of executive orders aimed at supporting cryptocurrencies. Among the possible initiatives:

• Trump, positioning himself as a crypto president, calls on regulators to create more favorable conditions for the development of digital assets in the United States. He is planning to appoint Paul Atkins, a cryptocurrency supporter, as the head of the SEC, which could weaken control over market manipulation.
• Trump seems to be planning repeal SAB 121’s policy on accounting requirements that make it difficult for companies to hold crypto assets on the balance sheet of cryptocurrency companies serviced by banks. Once this policy is repealed, banks will be able to cooperate more freely with crypto firms, making it easier for them to access financial services.

Optimism and challenges

The Trump administration’s crypto-friendly promises sparked a wave of optimism in the market at the end of 2024. At that time, bitcoin reached an all-time high of $100 thousand, like many altcoins, fueled by hopes for lighter regulation. However, against the backdrop of a strengthening US economy and the realization that Trump’s initiatives could not be implemented so quickly, at the beginning of 2025, there was a drop in. There are still risks:

• The reversal or reversal of numerous SEC cases could set precedents that would be criticized by lawyers and courts.
• Although the initial steps may look promising, harmonizing the new rules will take time and require compromises.

While investors are preparing for changes in the regulatory environment, opportunities for new and interesting crypto products and services are on the horizon, but the risks of legal and financial uncertainty remain.

For example, the market was recently unexpectedly hit hard by data on the decline in unemployment in the United States: in December last year, many more people were hired than expected, and the unemployment rate was a surprisingly low 4.1%.

When the US Federal Reserve (Fed) sees such high employment figures, it is less inclined to cut interest rates, as it does not want the economy to overheat and start to grow again.

What does the crypto market expect on the eve of Trump’s inauguration?

Charles Edwards, founder of Capriole Fund believes that although the short-term reaction to this data will be bearish, the fundamental strength of the labor market may actually continue the bullish trend eventually.

K33 analysts noted. The current market situation is significantly different from 2016:

1. In December 2016, the market was stable, and the S&P 500 index remained at high levels with minimal volatility before the inauguration.
2. Among the reasons for the current volatility of the crypto market, they named the rise in the yield of 10-year US bonds, the strengthening of the US dollar, and projections of rising inflation.

Despite the short-term challenges, K33 analysts are optimistic about the long-term prospects for bitcoin under a Trump presidency. They predict that the administration will continue to focus on economic performance, as it did during Trump’s first term. Tax rebate policies, deregulation, and a favorable business environment could boost the growth of risky assets, including cryptocurrencies.

The price of bitcoin on the eve of Trump’s first inauguration was around $697 and was at resistance. However, a few days after the inauguration, bitcoin broke through the resistance level and showed a historical high of $19 thousand in 2018.

On the other hand, some analysts are not so optimistic. First, bitcoin’s surge amid news of Trump’s victory was at least partly an impulse trade, which is why prices are falling, although the pullback has been moderate so far.

For example, the co-founder of the cryptocurrency exchange BitMEX Arthur Hayes predicts a significant drop in the market shortly after Trump’s inauguration due to significant disappointment among crypto investors.