With a third bid for the U.S. presidency ending in victory, Donald Trump is poised to bring a crypto-friendly agenda to Washington, promising a more accommodating regulatory landscape. After clinching crucial battleground states, Trump is projected to secure Pennsylvania and Alaska’s electoral votes, giving him the lead over Vice President Kamala Harris and all but assuring his return to the White House.
Trump’s Triumph Is Also Crypto’s: Gensler, Regulatory Clouds Likely to Vanish
This shift is expected to mark a significant turning point for the U.S. crypto industry, as Trump has actively wooed the digital asset community throughout his campaign, hinting at pro-crypto policies and vowing to replace Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chair Gary Gensler.
While crypto regulation did not dominate campaign discussions, Trump’s efforts to appeal to the industry have been clear. From speaking at a prominent Bitcoin conference to serving burgers at a crypto-themed bar, he has consistently engaged with the community, building goodwill among digital asset enthusiasts and industry leaders. At one event, he underscored his commitment by declaring that “Bitcoin will be made in the USA,” a statement that has stoked enthusiasm within the industry.
As part of his outreach, Trump also pledged to pardon Silk Road developer Ross Ulbricht, whose imprisonment remains controversial within crypto circles. The move highlights his inclination to dismantle past policies affecting the industry. Though his first term introduced a few contentious regulations — such as a wallet proposal that eventually dissolved — Trump’s current promises suggest a pivot toward easing SEC restrictions on digital assets.
In addition to reclaiming the White House, Republicans have secured a Senate majority, capturing seats in Ohio and West Virginia, which could facilitate the passage of pro-crypto legislation. Industry advocates are hopeful that Trump’s administration will fast-track crypto ETFs, secure a comprehensive regulatory framework, and offer clearer guidance on token classification — areas that have stalled under the current SEC leadership.
Trump’s return to office not only brings a sense of optimism for crypto traders and investors but also hints at potential changes across the broader U.S. economy. Alongside crypto policies, Trump has signaled a return to protectionist economic strategies, including tariffs on imports from key trading partners. Furthermore, his campaign rhetoric has leaned heavily into authoritarian themes, with pledges for mass deportations and promises to target what he calls “the enemy within.”
Despite these divisive positions, Trump’s charm offensive within the crypto sector has resonated. At the Bitcoin Nashville conference, he emphasized Bitcoin’s significance beyond technology, hailing it as a “miracle of cooperation and human achievement.” As he steps into his new term, the crypto industry may find itself at a crossroads, one in which U.S. regulators, under a reconfigured administration, could pivot toward a more favorable stance for digital assets.
