What Will Be The Role Of Crypto In Trump's America?

The victory of Donald Trump in the presidential election on November 5, 2024, marks a potential turning point for the crypto industry. During his campaign, the newly elected president of the United States made the crypto sector one of his key arguments, multiplying promises to the community.

A new regulatory approach for the crypto sector

Donald Trump, elected 47th president of the United States, established himself as a defender of Bitcoin and crypto during his campaign. Alongside Elon Musk and his running mate JD Vance, he made numerous promises to this sector, thus raising great hopes in the crypto community.

In July 2023, at the Bitcoin conference in Nashville, Trump unveiled his vision for the crypto future in the United States. His main promise: to replace Gary Gensler at the head of the SEC, the authority regulating the American financial markets. He committed to creating a “presidential advisory council on bitcoin and other cryptos,” composed of industry experts, to establish new rules favorable to innovation.

This proposal marks a break with the current SEC policy under Gary Gensler, who has initiated over 100 actions against crypto companies. Trump intends to replace this hostile approach with a framework more favorable to the development of the sector.

The Republican candidate also promised to free Ross Ulbricht, the creator of Silk Road, to create a national reserve of Bitcoin (BTC), and opposed the project of a central bank digital currency (CBDC).

A strong commitment to mining made in the USA

The development of crypto mining in the United States is another major pillar of Trump’s promises. During a meeting at Mar-a-Lago with key players in the sector, he presented his vision for a 100% American mining industry.

His plan revolves around three axes: developing national energy capacities, repatriating mining activities to American soil, and creating a competitive advantage against China. The Republican notably promised to promote the establishment of mining farms in regions with energy surpluses.

Trump also pledged to establish a policy for conserving the federal government’s Bitcoin holdings. During the largest Bitcoin conference of the year in Nashville, he also promised that his administration would retain 100% of Bitcoins seized or acquired by the U.S. government.

This approach contrasts with the current practice of the U.S. Marshals Service, which regularly auctions off confiscated cryptos. Trump argues that these sales can destabilize the market and deprive the country of strategic assets.

The crypto community, which largely supported his campaign, is now waiting to see how these promises will be implemented after he takes office.