A Timeline of Key Events
Date | Event | Impact |
Jan 20 | WLFI memecoin launch during inauguration | Token price spiked, but trading was restricted |
Jan 20 | Pro-crypto leaders appointed to top agencies | SEC, CFTC, and science advisory roles filled by crypto-friendly figures |
Jan 21 | Trump unveils $500B Stargate AI initiative | Backed by OpenAI, Oracle, and SoftBank |
Jan 21 | Ross Ulbricht’s sentence commuted | Fulfilled campaign promise, sparked debate |
Jan 23 | Digital dollar banned, crypto working group created | No CBDC allowed, Bitcoin reserve planning begins |
Feb 1 | Trade war starts with tariffs on China, Mexico, and Canada | Caused crypto and stock market drops |
Feb 12 | US and Russia swap Marc Fogel and Vinnik | Sparked debate about crypto criminals and diplomacy |
Feb 18 | SBF hints at pardon, slams judge | Possibly aiming to win Trump’s favor |
Mar 7 | Bitcoin reserve and digital asset stockpile created | Government pools seized crypto, may buy more if budget allows |
Mar 7 | Industry leaders met, some praised it, others remained cautious | |
Mar 25 | WLFI launches stablecoin USD1 | Lawmakers called for ethics probe |
Apr 2 | “Liberation Day” trade tariffs announced on all trading partners | Costs rose for miners, recession fears grew |
Apr 25 | $300,000 memecoin dinner offer leads to impeachment calls | Ethics concerns over selling access to Trump |
Mixed Signals for Crypto
Trump’s early actions created both hope and concern. On one hand, he welcomed crypto leaders and opposed the digital dollar. On the other hand, his policies created instability.
Positive Moves:
- Appointed pro-crypto officials: Paul Atkins to the SEC, Brian Quintenz to the CFTC.
- Launched a crypto working group: Aimed to make the US a global crypto hub.
- Created a Bitcoin reserve: Collected seized Bitcoin and hinted at further crypto investments.
- Hosted a White House summit: Brought attention to the crypto industry’s needs.
Negative Developments:
- WLFI token launch and dinner: Seen as a conflict of interest.
- Trade wars: Raised import costs for mining equipment and shook investor confidence.
- Pardon politics: Moves like Ulbricht’s release and SBF’s hints raised ethical concerns.
Ethics and Legal Challenges
WLFI, the memecoin tied to Trump’s family firm, remains under scrutiny. Its stablecoin launch, USD1, added pressure. Lawmakers fear Trump could shape crypto rules to benefit his own assets.
The dinner offer to top WLFI holders raised red flags. Although the administration rejected the $300,000 access request, a senator already called for impeachment.
Will Regulation Move Forward?
Despite the turmoil, crypto regulations are slowly moving in Congress:
- The STABLE Act passed committee in the House on April 3. It aims to regulate stablecoins.
- The GENIUS Act passed a Senate committee. It focuses on innovation and crypto guardrails.
What Comes Next?
Trump’s first 100 days brought huge shifts. Crypto is now a political issue as much as a financial one. Laws are being written, but public trust is shaky.
If Trump keeps mixing politics with personal crypto ventures, progress could stall. The next few months will show if real reform is possible – or if controversy will dominate once again.
