Trump's 30 Days: A Crypto Revolution

An era of digital policy transformation

TLDR:

• Trump’s first month sees bold pro-crypto appointments and initiatives.

• Creation of DOGE and major regulatory shifts bolster crypto-friendly policies.

• Landmark moves include new SEC leadership, crypto working group, and high-profile pardons.

• Trump's policies are already reshaping market dynamics and investor sentiment.

In a whirlwind first month, President Donald Trump has catapulted the cryptocurrency industry into a new era. With sweeping changes that echo through every corner of Washington, his administration has made headlines by appointing staunch pro-crypto executives, launching innovative initiatives, and reworking regulatory frameworks—all while stirring controversy and shifting market tides.

On inauguration day, January 20, Trump set the tone by unveiling his own memecoin, TRUMP, on the Solana blockchain—a bold move that momentarily propelled its market capitalization to a staggering $15 billion before it tumbled by 40%. Alongside this, the Trump family’s World Liberty Financial made a splash by acquiring nearly $47 million in cryptocurrencies, signaling strong support for digital assets from the very top.

Not content with these early moves, Trump swiftly acted to reshape federal oversight. On January 21, the administration nominated SEC Commissioner Paul Atkins to replace Gary Gensler, with Acting Chair Mark Uyeda taking the helm to steer a more crypto-friendly course. “We need regulations that foster capital formation while protecting investors,” remarked Uyeda, hinting at a gentler enforcement stance.

Simultaneously, a dedicated SEC task force was formed under pro-crypto Commissioner Hester Peirce to craft clearer regulatory guidelines. The same day, Trump launched “Stargate,” a $500-billion initiative aimed at boosting the U.S. AI industry, promising to create over 100,000 jobs—a project met with skepticism by critics, yet emblematic of the administration’s aggressive push for technological supremacy.

In an unexpected turn, Trump pardoned Silk Road founder Ross Ulbricht on January 22, fulfilling a long-standing campaign promise and sending ripples through the crypto community. The following day, an internal working group was established to position America as the global hub for crypto innovation, with a mandate to explore a national crypto reserve and ban the creation of central bank digital currencies.

The momentum continued as the Senate confirmed a pro-crypto Treasury Secretary nominee on January 27, bolstering the administration’s commitment to a blockchain-friendly agenda. However, Trump’s policies have not been without turbulence. His tariff orders on goods from key trading partners in early February sent shockwaves through both traditional and crypto markets, highlighting the increasingly intertwined fates of these sectors.

In a dramatic display of his unconventional style, Trump also fired Rohit Chopra, head of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, on February 3—part of a broader effort to reduce regulatory oversight. By mid-February, shifts in leadership at the CFTC and a prisoner swap with Russia further underscored the unpredictable pace of his administration’s reforms.

Perhaps most provocatively, on February 17, DOGE—now under the de facto leadership of Elon Musk—turned its sights on the SEC, calling for a review of “wasteful spending” within the agency. Then, on February 19, the Senate confirmed Howard Lutnick as the new Commerce Secretary, a move that sealed Trump’s commitment to a radical overhaul of economic policy.

Reflecting on these rapid-fire developments, one industry insider observed, “Trump’s first 30 days have fundamentally changed the conversation around crypto in America. It’s not just about regulation; it’s about redefining our financial future.” As Congress begins drafting stablecoin legislation and state-level initiatives gain momentum, it’s clear that the crypto revolution under Trump is only just beginning.

photo / Blockonome