Zinger Key Points
- Trump’s silence on cryptocurrency during his inaugural speech raises questions about his administration’s crypto priorities.
- Experts highlight the need for balanced crypto policies that foster innovation while ensuring consumer protection and market stability.
- Get Pro-Level Earnings Insights Before the Market Moves
President Donald Trump's omission of cryptocurrency in his inaugural address has raised doubts about the administration's immediate commitment to crypto-friendly policies.
Speaking with Benzinga, experts caution this silence could signal uncertainty in the digital asset space, which was expecting clearer direction under Trump's leadership.
What Happened: The cryptocurrency industry, riding high on anticipation of a pro-crypto presidency, was dealt a blow on Inauguration Day when Trump refrained from mentioning digital assets during his inaugural address.
The lack of acknowledgment has led to market volatility and raised concerns among industry leaders and investors about the administration's commitment to fostering crypto innovation.
Bitcoin BTC/USD, which had surged to $106,000 ahead of the event, dropped sharply to $101,000 during Trump's speech before stabilizing at $103,000.
Altcoins also felt the impact, with Solana SOL/USD falling nearly 10% from its record high.
The Trump TRUMP/USD and Melania MELANIA/USD meme coins, launched in the days leading up to the inauguration, plummeted 30% and 46% respectively during the speech, though they recovered some losses by Monday evening.
According to CoinGlass data, Monday's volatility led to over $1.2 billion in liquidations across digital asset markets, marking the largest leverage wipeout of the year.
Nearly $500 million of liquidations came from traders holding long positions on price increases.
Also Read: Trump’s Crypto Silence: Inauguration Omission Sparks Questions After History Of Mixed Signals
What Experts Are Saying: While some experts downplayed the omission, others expressed concern about the lack of immediate policy clarity.
Mike Marshall, Head of Research at Amberdata, noted that it was "understandable" for Trump to prioritize broader promises in his speech.
However, he acknowledged that Polymarket odds for a U.S. Bitcoin reserve dropped from 60% to 45% following the speech, indicating waning investor confidence.
Cory Klippsten, CEO of Swan Bitcoin, stated, "There was never any promise that Bitcoin would be mentioned in the inaugural address."
He added that the industry is still watching closely for executive orders or further statements from the administration.
Chrissy Hill, Chief Legal Officer at Polkadot, stressed the importance of Trump signaling crypto as a national priority.
"The industry is waiting for a clear commitment to tech innovation, transparency and efficiency. It's about sending a message that America is open for blockchain-driven solutions," she said.
Michael Egorov, founder of Curve Finance, highlighted the fragmented state of U.S. crypto regulation, adding that while Trump's administration hints at being crypto-friendly, its long-term success will depend on crafting balanced policies that support innovation without undermining decentralization principles.
Trump's relationship with cryptocurrency has been complex. Initially critical, he later embraced digital assets during his campaign, proposing measures such as a federal Bitcoin reserve and accepting crypto donations.
The launch of Trump-affiliated meme coins last week generated both excitement and criticism, with some viewing it as a gimmick that could harm the industry's credibility.
The broader market's reaction to the inauguration highlights lingering uncertainty.
Advocates hoped Trump's administration would reverse years of regulatory clampdowns, but his silence has left many questioning the timeline and scope of any forthcoming policies.
Zac Cheah, CEO of Pundi X, highlighted Bitcoin's role as a hedge against inflation, urging nations to adopt it as a reserve asset.
"The sooner nations act, the more advantage they will have in positioning themselves ahead of a widespread adoption curve," Cheah said.
What’s Next: Despite the market's current volatility, experts believe Trump's administration could still deliver on its pro-crypto promises.
However, as Nic Carter of Castle Island Ventures pointed out, the speculative frenzy around meme coins highlights the need for stronger regulatory oversight to protect the industry's legitimacy.
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© 2025 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
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