The Trump Pump: Why is Bitcoin Surging?

The "Trump Pump" — the boost to the crypto market after Donald Trump won the 2024 US presidential election — has caused BTC to reach all-time highs. 

More than a week after the election, Bitcoin reached $93,000 for the first time. 

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the Trump Pump and how we can expect political change to impact the crypto market in the future. 

What is the Trump Pump?

The Trump Pump describes the surge in Bitcoin’s price that followed Donald Trump’s 2024 election victory. Here’s a look at how BTC’s price changed after the 2024 US presidential election. 

Why did the Trump Pump happen? 

It’s important to note that the value of Bitcoin is determined by supply and demand. Demand for Bitcoin is impacted by multiple factors  — like the state of the economy and the general public attitude towards cryptocurrencies. 

It’s likely that Trump’s election spiked interest in Bitcoin due to investor optimism about potential crypto-friendly policies. 

Why is Trump’s election pushing up the price of Bitcoin? 

During his first term, President Trump made several anti-crypto statements. However, his stance on cryptocurrency has changed (according to some reports, due to the influence of his children). 

In recent years, Trump has created his own NFT collection and has been linked to DeFi projects like World Liberty Financial. This means that starting in 2025, America will have its first crypto-friendly president. 

What was Trump’s pro-crypto platform?

Trump's 2024 presidential campaign featured a range of pro-crypto policies, including the following: 

• Build a government reserve of Bitcoin
• Push to mine all Bitcoin in the USA 
• Create a crypto advisory council
• Remove SEC Chair Gary Gensler, a regulator who has been called ‘cryptocurrency’s public enemy #1’

Trump’s pro-crypto promises led to endorsements from prominent cryptocurrency executives like the Winklevoss Twins (co-founders of Gemini) and Jesse Powell (CEO of Kraken). 

While some critics expressed skepticism about how Trump will achieve his campaign promises, it’s clear that many investors are optimistic about cryptocurrency’s potential during the second Trump Administration. 

How long will the Trump Pump last? 

It’s impossible for anyone to forecast how long a bull market in cryptocurrency could last. Let’s look at a few factors that may determine how long the ‘Trump Pump’ will continue. 

Potential BTC Holdings in the U.S. Treasury

One of Trump’s campaign promises includes holding BTC within the U.S. Treasury.

 If implemented, this could act as a significant driver for Bitcoin demand, boosting long-term investor confidence in Bitcoin’s stability and value. 

Potential Triggers for Sustained Growth

Trump-led initiatives—such as installing a crypto-friendly head of the SEC or giving incentives to American BTC miners — could fuel demand for Bitcoin.

Market Speculation

It’s important to note that general economic conditions will impact the price of Bitcoin. Bitcoin is considered a ‘risk on’ asset — which means that investors tend to turn away from it during times of economic uncertainty. 

How might Trump policies impact Bitcoin? 

While the Trump Pump has driven Bitcoin’s price upward, you should consider potential risks. 

Uncertain economic times 

It’s likely that Trump’s economic plans — like tariffs and mass deportation — will cause economic uncertainty in the short-term. Some commentators, like CoinDesk Senior Analyst ​​James Van Straten, have said that these policies could lead to higher consumer prices and potentially hurt ‘riskier’ assets like Bitcoin. 

Increased volatility 

It’s likely that changes in economic policy will lead to volatility across the market — including with Bitcoin. Investors who wish to purchase BTC should be prepared for short-term volatility. 

How have past political events impacted the price of Bitcoin? 

Bitcoin has often reacted to political and economic shifts. Here’s a look at how previous events influenced its price:

Brexit

After the UK voted to leave the European Union in 2016, Bitcoin saw a rally of 2200% in the next ten months. While the rise in value can be attributed to multiple factors, it's likely that some UK investors turned to BTC due to uncertainty about the value of the British pound. 

China bans Bitcoin 

In 2021, China banned all cryptocurrency transactions. In the wake of the news, Bitcoin’s price fell by 10% — showing how governments across the world can impact the price of cryptocurrency. 

Conclusion

While the Trump Pump is helping Bitcoin achieve record highs, it’s unknown how Bitcoin may react to economic policy shifts in the future. If you’re planning to buy BTC, it’s important to stay informed, prepare yourself for volatility, and understand your investment goals. 

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