Donald Trump has made a historic political comeback, winning the 2024 U.S. presidential election and defeating Vice President Kamala Harris.

This victory has sent ripples through financial markets, particularly the cryptocurrency sector, as investors and industry participants anticipate a potentially more favorable regulatory environment.

Trump’s campaign promises—which include actions such as freeing Ross Ulbricht, firing SEC Chair Gary Gensler, and opposing central bank digital currencies (CBDCs)—have contributed to a surge in cryptocurrency prices and optimism within the digital assets community.

What happened in the U.S. Presidential Election?

Trump’s victory marks a historic comeback, with wins in key states like Georgia, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin, fueled by strong support from rural and working-class voters and notable inroads among ethnic minorities.

The election also saw Republicans regain control of the Senate, whilst the House of Representatives remains undecided.

Trump’s return to office, along with his campaign commitments, has sparked interest in how his administration might reshape the regulatory landscape for digital assets in the U.S.

How did this impact the crypto markets?

Following the announcement of Trump’s victory, the cryptocurrency market responded with significant upward momentum.

Bitcoin surged to a record high of $75,389, a reflection of market speculation that Trump’s administration may introduce a more favorable stance on digital currencies. Trump’s prior statements about making the U.S. a “bitcoin superpower” have also contributed to market optimism. Major cryptocurrencies beyond Bitcoin also saw gains, with Ethereum rising 8.9% and Solana climbing 12%.

In the NFT sector, trading volumes rose as investors anticipate that Trump’s administration might adopt a supportive regulatory approach. Trump’s previous ventures into NFTs, including launching his own collection, have further fueled interest and speculation among digital asset investors about potential policy shifts in favor of blockchain.

What this means for the future of crypto?

The response from the web3 community on X has been mixed with some leaders in the space express cautious optimism, hoping that Trump’s administration will bring regulatory clarity and support for blockchain development. However, others remain wary of potential uncertainties, noting that any policy changes could have complex impacts on the digital asset landscape.

Trump’s presidency may lead to significant changes in the regulatory framework surrounding digital assets, with possible implications for cryptocurrency exchanges, stablecoin regulations, and decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols.

Whilst some anticipate a reduction in regulatory pressures, the actual impact will depend on specific policy decisions made in the months following his inauguration.