Trump’s First Week in Office: What It Could Mean for Crypto Regulation
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Written by
Yana Levkovich - Updated 2025-01-17 16:36:41
As President-elect Donald Trump prepares for his January 20 inauguration, the cryptocurrency community is eager to see whether his administration will prioritize crypto innovation. Investors are optimistic that Trump will introduce policies fostering a more favorable regulatory environment for blockchain and digital assets in the United States.
Optimism Surrounding Key Appointments and Executive Action
One major point of interest for the crypto sector is Trump’s nomination of Paul Atkins as the new chair of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Known for advocating market-friendly policies, Atkins still requires Senate confirmation, but his approach could significantly benefit the digital asset industry.
“Setting the right regulatory tone is crucial,” said Anastasija Plotnikova, co-founder and CEO of Fideum, a firm focused on blockchain infrastructure and regulatory frameworks. “The first week might not bring drastic changes, as meaningful and comprehensive legislation takes time,” she explained.
There is speculation that Trump may issue an executive order early in his presidency to emphasize his commitment to the cryptocurrency industry. While a full directive on day one seems unlikely, Dmitrij Radin, founder of Zekret and CTO of Fideum, expects a positive statement from Trump: “Trump likes to make a splash, and what better way than to show he’s the ‘crypto president’ he promised to be?”
The Future of Crypto Under Trump’s Administration
Trump’s administration may address significant industry challenges such as crypto de-banking and broader regulatory barriers. Early action could include the creation of a task force or an in-depth review of the current regulatory framework.
Meanwhile, Bitcoin’s long-term potential remains a topic of interest. Adam Back, co-founder and CEO of Blockstream, suggested that Bitcoin could eventually exceed $1 million per coin if the BITCOIN Act gains legislative approval. However, Bitcoin would first need to add $2 trillion in market capitalization to reach $200,000, making it the world’s second-largest asset, surpassing Apple.
While immediate changes are unlikely, the early moves by Trump and his administration could lay the groundwork for a more innovation-friendly crypto environment in the United States.
