Trump Returns — And So Does Crypto
January 2025 marked a dramatic return of Donald Trump to the White House after a controversial election win. But this time, he brought with him a surprising new focus: supporting the crypto industry like never before in Trump’s First 100 days.
After years of regulatory uncertainty and government crackdowns, many in the crypto community had left the U.S., seeking friendlier climates in Europe and Asia. But Trump’s first 100 days signaled a major shift — one that could bring crypto innovation back to American soil.
From high-profile pardons to sweeping policy changes, here are the 12 most important actions Trump took to support digital assets and blockchain technology in his first 100 days back in power.
1. Pardoned Ross Ulbricht — A Symbol of Crypto Freedom
On January 21, just one day after taking office, Trump granted a full pardon to Ross Ulbricht, the founder of Silk Road — a dark web marketplace that accepted Bitcoin for transactions.
Ulbricht was sentenced to life in prison without parole in 2015. For many in the crypto world, his case became a symbol of government overreach and fear of decentralized money.
By pardoning Ulbricht, Trump sent a powerful message: He understands the concerns of the crypto community. This move wasn’t just about one man — it was about showing support for financial freedom and privacy.
2. Banned CBDC — To Protect Financial Privacy
Just two days later, on January 23, Trump signed an executive order banning federal agencies from developing or issuing Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC).
He argued that CBDCs pose a threat to personal financial privacy and could become tools for government surveillance and control.
This decision stood in sharp contrast to the policies of the previous administration, where the Federal Reserve had been testing systems like FedNow and exploring digital currency models.
Trump made it clear: he supports decentralized crypto like Bitcoin, not state-controlled digital money.
3. Imposed Tariffs on Big Tech — To Help Crypto Startups Grow
On February 15, Trump signed an executive order imposing new tariffs on large tech companies , especially those based in Silicon Valley.
These tariffs targeted companies like Google, Meta, Amazon, and Apple, arguing that these giants had too much control over data, finance, and innovation.
The goal? Redirect investment and talent toward emerging sectors like crypto, AI, and decentralized platforms.
By taxing monopolistic behavior, Trump aimed to level the playing field for small businesses and startups — especially in Web3 and blockchain.
This move won strong support from the crypto community, who saw Big Tech as a barrier to true decentralization.
4. Created a National Bitcoin Reserve
On March 6, Trump launched the Strategic National Bitcoin Reserve , giving the Treasury Department the authority to hold Bitcoin seized during federal investigations instead of selling it off immediately.
Alongside this, the government also set up a Digital Asset Vault , which included Ethereum, Solana, and stablecoins like USDC and Tether.
This was a historic step — for the first time ever, the U.S. recognized crypto as a strategic asset, placing it on par with gold and oil.
The idea is simple: hold valuable digital assets now, and they could serve as a financial buffer in the future.
5. Hosted a Crypto Summit at the White House
On March 7, Trump surprised the entire crypto world by hosting a special summit on blockchain and digital assets at the White House.
Top figures from the crypto space attended, including:
- Michael Saylor – CEO of MicroStrategy
- Matt Huang – Co-founder of Paradigm
- Balaji Srinivasan – Former CTO of Coinbase
- Caitlin Long – Founder of Avanti Bank
At the event, Trump said:
“We don’t just want to welcome crypto — we want America to be the best place in the world to build with blockchain.”
This meeting marked a turning point. Instead of treating crypto as a threat, the Trump administration chose to engage with its leaders and hear their ideas directly.
It was a symbolic and practical shift — from confrontation to collaboration.
6. Replaced SEC Chief Gary Gensler With Pro-Crypto Leader
For years, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) under Gary Gensler had taken a hostile stance toward crypto. The agency sued dozens of projects and exchanges, creating a climate of fear and legal uncertainty.
In late March, Trump asked Gensler to resign. On April 9, he officially named Paul Atkins — a former SEC commissioner known for supporting innovation — as the new chair.
Almost immediately, the SEC dropped lawsuits against major platforms like Coinbase, Kraken, and Uniswap. Atkins promised a fairer approach — one that protects investors but doesn’t kill innovation.
7. Made Dogecoin a National Symbol of Decentralized Finance
One of the most unexpected moments came on March 10, when Trump publicly endorsed Dogecoin (DOGE) as a “people’s coin” and encouraged federal agencies to explore ways to integrate it into public services.
He stated:
“If Bitcoin is digital gold, then Dogecoin is digital cash — fast, fun, and built by the people.”
His administration also began studying the possibility of using DOGE for small-scale government payments and grants, especially in rural communities.
Though some saw this as playful, others recognized it as a serious signal: Trump wants to empower everyday Americans through accessible, decentralized finance.
8. Signed Law Ending IRS Rules on DeFi
On April 10, Trump signed a bill that canceled controversial tax rules introduced under President Biden. Those rules required DeFi protocols to act like banks and report user data to the IRS.
Under the new law:
- Pure smart contracts are no longer treated as taxable intermediaries.
- Clear deadlines are set for updating DeFi and DAO-related regulations.
This change gave developers and users much-needed clarity and protection. It was the first major legal framework in the U.S. to recognize DeFi as a legitimate part of the financial system.
9. Used His Own Meme Token During Campaign
During his 2024 campaign, Trump launched a meme token called TRUMP on the Solana network. At one point, the token reached a market cap of over $14 billion.
While the price fell after the election, the TRUMP token wasn’t just about money — it was a cultural movement.
It showed how politicians can use crypto to connect with younger voters and raise funds directly, without relying on traditional donors. Trump didn’t just embrace crypto — he turned it into a political tool.
10. Proposed the “Digital Financial Rights Act”
On April 25, Trump announced the Digital Financial Rights Act , a proposed law that would protect crypto ownership as a constitutional right.
Key points include:
- Americans have the right to store crypto in private wallets.
- Peer-to-peer crypto transfers won’t be taxed.
- Simply holding crypto won’t trigger taxes unless sold for profit.
This bill aims to protect individual financial freedom while creating a clear path for crypto adoption across the country.
It’s a major step toward bringing crypto out of legal gray areas and into the mainstream economy.
11. Launched Federal Blockchain Task Force
To make sure all government agencies work together on crypto policy, Trump created the Federal Blockchain Task Force , led directly by the Vice President.
The task force has three main goals:
- Review all current federal laws related to crypto.
- Build a national strategy for blockchain development.
- Recommend tax incentives for companies building Web3 and blockchain tech.
This shows that Trump isn’t making short-term moves — he’s planning for long-term growth in the digital economy.
12. Pushed Green Bitcoin Mining
On May 1, Trump announced a new initiative to promote eco-friendly Bitcoin mining.
Highlights include:
- Tax cuts for miners using more than 75% renewable energy.
- Repurposing old industrial sites for mining farms.
- Encouraging states to create “Bitcoin zones” as part of national digital infrastructure.
This plan shifts the conversation around Bitcoin mining — from being seen as harmful to the environment, to becoming a driver of green energy growth.
It’s a smart way to support both crypto and clean energy at the same time.
Trump First 100 days back is A New Era for Crypto?
As Mauricio Mondragon of Fortress Trust put it:
“Trump isn’t just changing the tone — he’s rewriting America’s digital finance strategy.”
With pro-crypto laws in place, many investors and startups are returning to the U.S. after years of leaving due to unclear rules.
If this trend continues, the U.S. could once again lead the global race in blockchain innovation, competing with countries like Singapore, UAE, and Switzerland.
Conclusion: Trump – The Architect of America’s “Crypto Golden Age”?
Love him or hate him, Donald Trump is shaping the most crypto-friendly administration in U.S. history.
From pardons and policy reforms to tax laws and digital reserves, Trump is pulling crypto out of legal limbo and putting it front and center in national economic planning.
These Trump First 100 days back may mark the beginning of a new golden age for crypto in America — one where blockchain isn’t a risk, but a foundation for future growth and innovation.
