What Trump’s Return Means for Crypto in 2025
The return of Donald Trump to the White House sparked immense anticipation in the crypto market. With his pro-crypto stance, many expected a major bull market driven by improved regulations, institutional investments, and a renewed appetite for risk. However, as 2025 ends, the crypto market is sitting at just 20% of its peak during the Biden era, leaving analysts and enthusiasts puzzled over what went wrong.
Is the Crypto Market Broken?
Renowned crypto analyst Ran Neuner argues that the market is fundamentally broken. In a year where all the ingredients for a bullish run—favorable policies, institutional support, and rising interest—seemed to align, the lackluster performance suggests a deeper issue. According to Neuner, traditional market theories like four-year cycles and liquidity constraints feel increasingly outdated.
On the other hand, market commentator Gordon Gekko disagrees, claiming that the struggle is intentional, designed to weed out weaker players. “This isn’t dysfunction,” Gekko says, “it’s survival of the fittest in a transformed market.” This debate underscores a key shift in how crypto operates today versus previous cycles.
The Shift in Market Dynamics
During Trump’s first term, crypto thrived under minimal regulation. The market was dominated by retail speculation, unchecked leverage, and euphoric momentum. The Biden era, however, introduced a more institutionalized setup. Regulations tightened, and tools like ETFs and custody frameworks redefined how capital flowed into the market.
This transition means that today, Bitcoin dominates as an institutionally favored asset, whereas altcoins face a fragmented and attention-driven market. Analysts like Shanaka Anslem argue that the crypto market has split into “two games”: one for institutional assets like Bitcoin and another for smaller, high-risk altcoins. This segmentation makes strategies reliant on broad-based rallies, such as traditional “alt-seasons,” increasingly obsolete.
Tokens, Attention, and Liquidity
With over 11 million tokens now in circulation—a massive leap from the hundreds traded in 2017—the market dynamics have fundamentally changed. According to analysts, waiting for an old-fashioned altcoin season could mean missing out on emerging trends in specific segments of the market.
Lisa Edwards, a prominent market strategist, advises investors to follow liquidity flows and adapt to the market’s new structure. “Cycles evolve, and the smart money adapts,” she notes. “The key is to identify where value is flowing right now, not where it used to flow.”
What’s Next for Crypto Investors?
As Trump-era expectations clash with the realities of the Biden-era crypto market structure, investors are finding themselves at a crossroads. Economists and traders debate whether the market needs a brutal repricing or if a massive catch-up rally is on the horizon. While the future remains uncertain, one thing is clear: the old playbook no longer applies.
Boost Your Crypto Strategy
If you’re navigating the crypto market, staying informed and ahead of trends is crucial. For those looking to build their crypto portfolio, consider tools like the Ledger Nano X, a trusted hardware wallet for safely managing your digital assets. Its advanced security features and user-friendly interface make it an essential tool for both beginners and seasoned investors.
Conclusion
Crypto in 2025 is shaping up to be a story of transformation rather than stagnation. As institutional frameworks replace speculative cycles, adapting to new market dynamics will be the key to staying ahead. Whether you’re investing in Bitcoin or exploring niche opportunities in the altcoin space, understanding the underlying trends is now more important than ever.
