Donald Trump’s newly launched cryptocurrency, $TRUMP, has made a significant impact on the market, reaching nearly $12 billion in market capitalization just days after its debut. The surge comes just before the U.S. President-elect’s return to the White House, triggering a wave of trading activity that pushed $TRUMP’s 24-hour trading volume to a massive $52.5 billion.
Launched on Friday, $TRUMP saw a massive spike to $58.56 by 0820 GMT on Monday, bringing its total market value to an impressive $11.7 billion. This positioned the new cryptocurrency as the 18th largest cryptocurrency in the world, according to CoinMarketCap. Trump’s cryptocurrency launch has attracted attention not only because of its rapid rise but also due to the branding choices, which included an image from his attempted assassination in July 2023.
Trump’s new cryptocurrency is part of a broader push into digital assets that includes his venture, World Liberty Financial. The token’s website reveals that 80% of the total $TRUMP tokens are owned by CIC Digital LLC, an affiliate of The Trump Organization, and another company, Fight Fight Fight LLC. This means Trump’s business empire holds significant control over the new cryptocurrency, raising questions about its potential influence on the market.
In a parallel development, Melania Trump, the former First Lady, launched her own cryptocurrency on Sunday, which was trading at approximately $12.03 by 0820 GMT, giving it a market capitalization of $1.9 billion, as reported by CoinMarketCap.
Bitcoin Breaks New Record in the Cryptocurrency Market
Meanwhile, Bitcoin has continued its impressive rise, reaching a new all-time high of $109,071.86 during early European trading hours. As the world’s largest and most well-known cryptocurrency, Bitcoin has seen a surge of over 10% so far this month. This increase in Bitcoin’s value is largely attributed to growing optimism surrounding the future of cryptocurrency, as well as anticipation of Trump’s policies on digital assets.
Bitcoin’s surge follows a broader trend of rising cryptocurrency prices in early 2025. Despite concerns about regulatory hurdles, Bitcoin’s continued growth shows the increasing demand for decentralized digital currencies, making it a cornerstone of the cryptocurrency market.
Ethical and Regulatory Concerns About Cryptocurrency
The launch of Trump’s meme coin, $TRUMP, has raised eyebrows within the cryptocurrency community. While many have dismissed it as just another Trump spectacle, experts argue that its emergence brings with it a host of ethical and regulatory concerns. Justin D’Anethan, an independent cryptocurrency analyst based in Hong Kong, highlighted the potential risks of public figures, especially those with immense political influence, launching such speculative assets.
D’Anethan remarked that $TRUMP represents the intersection of decentralized finance (DeFi) and the political arena, which could blur the lines between governance, profit, and influence. The question remains whether figures like Trump, who wield considerable political power, should be able to influence speculative cryptocurrency markets in this way.
Peter Schiff, Chief Economist at Euro Pacific Asset Management, took to the messaging platform X to refer to $TRUMP’s rise as the new “digital gold.” Schiff’s comment reflects the growing belief that cryptocurrency could become an alternative investment vehicle, though not without its risks.
Trump’s Vision for Cryptocurrency in the U.S.
Trump has frequently spoken about his desire to be a “crypto president.” His administration, once in office, is expected to push for regulatory reforms aimed at easing restrictions on cryptocurrency markets and promoting wider adoption of digital assets. The industry has been eagerly awaiting his return, hopeful that his presidency will create a more favorable regulatory environment for cryptocurrency.
Trump’s impact on the cryptocurrency market was felt even before his inauguration. The announcement of his victory in November 2024 triggered a rally in Bitcoin and other digital currencies, as market participants anticipated looser regulatory controls. His future policies on digital assets could have a profound effect on the cryptocurrency space, helping to shape the industry’s trajectory for years to come.
Conclusion
The emergence of $TRUMP as a prominent cryptocurrency and Bitcoin’s record-breaking performance mark a significant moment in the history of digital assets. As cryptocurrency continues to evolve, Trump’s influence in the space will likely play a pivotal role in its future development. However, the ethical and regulatory concerns surrounding the launch of $TRUMP cannot be ignored. Only time will tell how the cryptocurrency market will adapt to these changes and the new role that public figures may play in its expansion.
