Donald Trump is set to hit the ground running on January 20 with a stack of crypto executive orders. Dubbed the “crypto president,” Trump is expected to first make an order about a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve.
Next, he’ll lay down clear regulations for cryptos, and force banks to stop shutting out crypto businesses. Analysts believe these decisions could flip the market upside down.
Trump’s Bitcoin reserve plan
The Strategic Bitcoin Reserve plan is Trump’s most daring crypto policy. The idea is that the U.S. government would start buying Bitcoin. Agencies would be tasked with acquiring BTC, turning it into a strategic asset like gold or oil. No nation has ever attempted this, and the implications are enormous.
But not everyone’s convinced. Luke Gromen, a macroeconomic analyst, thinks the timing might be off. “If Trump announces this plan on Day One, investors will front-run the government,” Gromen said.
That means people will buy up Bitcoin before the U.S. can build its reserve, driving prices sky-high. The result? America pays top dollar for its Bitcoin stash.
Gromen suggests a stealthier approach. Accumulate Bitcoin quietly while talking up its potential. Then, once the U.S. has a massive position, make the big reveal. “It’s smarter to control the market narrative and enrich the government’s coffers,” Gromen added.
Whether Trump listens to this advice is anyone’s guess, but either way, this plan is set to send shockwaves through the crypto space.
Fixing crypto’s biggest problems
Trump’s executive orders are also expected to tackle the chaotic regulatory environment that’s plagued the crypto industry for years. Agencies like the SEC and CFTC will get clear guidelines on how to oversee cryptos. This could finally provide the regulatory clarity that companies and investors have been begging for.
And there’s more. Trump wants banks to stop freezing out crypto businesses. Right now, many traditional banks refuse to work with companies in the crypto industry, citing compliance risks.
Trump’s orders would force banks to provide equal access, leveling the playing field for startups and big players alike. This could unleash a flood of new activity in the market.
Critics, of course, are already raising concerns. They argue that making banks cater to crypto could open doors to money laundering and fraud. Trump’s team is reportedly working on compliance safeguards to address these risks, but no details have been shared yet.
The market impact
Trump’s plans could be a jackpot for Bitcoin holders. Analysts are betting big on a price explosion, with projections topping $150,000 by 2025. The logic is simple: if the U.S. government starts buying Bitcoin, demand will skyrocket.
But there’s a catch. If America starts buying Bitcoin, other countries might follow. A global Bitcoin race could push prices to absurd levels, making it harder for retail investors to get in.
This would change the balance of power in crypto markets, favoring governments and institutions over retails, or “degens” as they prefer to be called.
Banks, already struggling to adapt to the rise of decentralized finance, could face even more disruption. Trump’s policies could accelerate the decline of traditional banking while boosting alternatives like DeFi platforms. The financial sector is watching closely, and they’re not happy.
Immigration, energy, and Susie Wiles
Crypto isn’t the only thing on Trump’s plate for Day One. Immigration is getting a major overhaul. Trump plans to tighten border restrictions, ramp up deportations, and cut funding to sanctuary cities unless they comply with federal laws.
The border wall is also back on the agenda, with unfinished portions set to be completed under federal mandates. Energy policies are also in for a shake-up.
Trump is expected to approve new drilling permits for federal lands and freeze any unfinalized regulations introduced by the Biden administration. This move will thrill oil and gas companies but infuriate environmentalists.
Chief of Staff Susie Wiles has downplayed the significance of these moves, calling the “first 100 days” an artificial benchmark. But the urgency is clear. Trump’s team knows they need quick wins to set the tone for his presidency. With midterms on the horizon, they’re going all-in.
