Last updated on July 24th, 2024 at 06:00 pm
As the 2024 U.S. presidential election shapes up for a rematch between former President Donald Trump and current President Joe Biden, the cryptocurrency industry is proving to be a significant factor in the fate of both contestants.
Trump, who hasn’t always been a fan, is now positioning himself as a champion of crypto innovation. His campaign is the first major presidential campaign to accept cryptocurrency donations. And then, we have Biden, who, since he took office in 2021, has adopted a measured approach to crypto, which hasn’t been popular among digital currency users and companies. Despite calling for research and tweeting about “tax loopholes that help wealthy crypto investors,” Biden has said little else on the issue.
We can’t definitively say that the fate of the crypto industry depends on the elections, just as we can’t say that the influence of the sector would decide the elections. However, it is certain that the sector would have some influence on the elections, and the future of crypto in the U.S. would be greatly influenced by whoever wins.
But we have a unique situation. Both contestants have done this before. We can compare how crypto fared during their previous administrations to gain insights into what might come if either of them is in control again. This is what this article does.
Crypto Under Trump (2017 – 2021): Booming Market, Few Rules
Market Performance: Booming Growth
When Trump took office, Bitcoin was valued at around $1,000. By the end of 2020, it had surged to about $29,000, growing about 150% annually during that period. Ethereum also saw remarkable growth, reaching the $100 mark in 2017 and hitting about $750 by the end of 2020, with an annual growth rate of around 135%. The overall cryptocurrency market value skyrocketed from about $17.7 billion in early 2017 to nearly $757 billion by the end of 2020.
Adoption and Innovation: Rapid Expansion
Interest and awareness in digital currencies grew significantly during Trump’s time, but public opinion was mixed. In 2017, a small number of people had Bitcoin or Ethereum, but by 2021, 16% say they personally have invested in, traded or otherwise used one.
While some people were excited about how crypto could change finance and technology, others were worried about the market’s ups and downs. For example, Bitcoin’s wild price swings made some people cautious about its future.
The Trump era also saw a boom in blockchain innovation, with a notable increase in blockchain patent filings led by companies like IBM and Mastercard. These patents included new ideas for payment systems and secure digital identities, making transactions safer and more efficient. The job market in blockchain and cryptocurrencies also experienced substantial growth, with companies like Coinbase and Gemini hiring more experts in blockchain technology, security analysis, and regulatory compliance.
Institutional Adoption: Early Movers
Institutional adoption of cryptocurrencies also began to take off during Trump’s presidency. Companies like MicroStrategy made significant Bitcoin purchases, amassing over $1 billion worth by the end of Trump’s term. Square (now Block, Inc.) also entered the market with a $50 million Bitcoin purchase in October 2020.
Venture capital investment in crypto startups saw wild swings during this period. In 2017, around $1.3 billion was pumped into these startups, but this amount skyrocketed to about $7.8 billion in 2018 due to a surge in Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs) and Initial Exchange Offerings (IEOs) as crypto projects started raising funds. However, by 2020, this dropped to roughly $2.2 billion due to uncertain regulations and market instability.
Regulatory Approach: Hands-Off
From 2017 to 2021, the cryptocurrency industry enjoyed relatively friendly treatment under the Trump administration despite his overt criticism. Instead of imposing strict rules, the government watched the industry. This hands-off approach allowed the industry to flourish with minimal interference.
Regulators like the SEC and CFTC were careful in their approach to cryptocurrencies during Trump’s time. The SEC set rules for Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs) and cracked down on scams. One notable case was against PlexCoin, where people were scammed out of $15 million. Lawsuits were common and addressed issues like crypto fraud and regulatory compliance. Some cases ended with companies paying fines, while others helped establish new rules for handling cryptocurrencies. For instance, in 2019, the IRS provided guidance on reporting income from virtual currencies, while SEC Chairman Jay Clayton emphasized investor protection without stifling innovation.
Interestingly, various government agencies began exploring blockchain technology applications during Trump’s presidency. The Department of Homeland Security investigated using blockchain to secure data from cameras and sensors, while the Food and Drug Administration looked into its potential for tracking medicines.
International Influence: Emerging Leader
During Trump’s presidency, the United States emerged as a significant player in the global cryptocurrency scene. By 2019, the U.S. was handling about 22% of all Bitcoin trading worldwide. States like Wyoming passed laws welcoming blockchain companies, establishing the country as a hub for blockchain innovation. The U.S. also engaged in international efforts to create global standards for cryptocurrencies, focusing on preventing criminal activities and protecting investors.
Crypto Under Biden (2021 – 2024): More Rules, Volatile Market
Market Performance: Volatility and Stabilization
Under Biden’s administration, the crypto market has been characterized by increased volatility and signs of maturation. Bitcoin’s price experienced significant fluctuations, reaching nearly $65,000 in April 2021 before experiencing a series of corrections. By mid-2024, Bitcoin’s price had climbed to $62,892. Ethereum followed a similar pattern, reaching nearly $4,800 in late 2021 before settling around $3,352 by mid-2024. The total value of the cryptocurrency market hit an all-time high of around $2.15 trillion in 2021 but has since stabilized at about $2.22 trillion by mid-2024, reflecting both market corrections and increased regulatory scrutiny.
Adoption and Innovation: Mainstream Integration
Cryptocurrency adoption continued to grow under Biden’s administration. A recent report claims that about 20% of Americans own some form of cryptocurrency by mid-2024. This increase occurred despite market volatility and new regulations, driven by increased institutional backing and improvements in blockchain technology.
The demand for blockchain and cryptocurrency-related jobs remained strong, with companies seeking professionals skilled in blockchain development, smart contract creation, and digital asset management. Firms like Ripple and Circle expanded their workforce, particularly in areas of blockchain engineering and regulatory compliance.
Institutional Adoption: Widespread Acceptance
The Biden era has seen a dramatic increase in institutional involvement in the cryptocurrency space. Major financial institutions like BlackRock and Fidelity began offering crypto investment products, signalling growing mainstream acceptance.
Tesla made headlines when it purchased $1.5 billion worth of Bitcoin early in 2021, although it later paused its plans to accept it as payment.
Venture capital investments in blockchain technology reached unprecedented levels, hitting about $25.2 billion worldwide in 2021, a staggering 713% increase from the previous year. This surge was driven by increased demand for crypto-related products and services, with $6.3 billion specifically invested in companies providing crypto storage and wallet services.
Regulatory Approach: Increased Scrutiny
In contrast to his predecessor, the Biden administration paid serious attention to the crypto sector. Notably, in his second year in office, Biden signed an Executive Order to establish a comprehensive government strategy to manage the risks and benefits of digital assets.
This approach focused on consumer protection, market fairness, and preventing illegal activities. Agencies like the SEC, CFTC, and FinCEN intensified efforts to combat scams, market manipulation, and non-compliant exchanges. The administration also initiated discussions about implementing rules for DeFi, including anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) requirements to curb illegal activities.
Notably, the government also explored the technology. The administration’s blockchain-based digital currency project is an example of those acts.
However, the defining trait of the era has been the increased legal actions against cryptocurrency-related companies for non-compliance with unclear rules.
International Influence: Established Global Player
Under Biden’s administration, the United States has struggled to maintain its leadership position. Other countries and regions took more proactive measures to secure their stake in the sector.
The European Union and Asian countries like the United Arab Emirates, South Korea, and Japan have an edge over the U.S. in defining how they want to relate with digital assets, a very important thing to do to take advantage of the sector. Though the U.S. still leads in cryptocurrency trading volume and blockchain innovation, that lead is shak
How Crypto Fared in Trump vs. Biden Administrations
Final Thoughts
The contrasting approaches of the Trump and Biden administrations to cryptocurrency regulation reflect not just differing political philosophies but also the rapidly evolving state of the crypto market. During Trump’s presidency, when crypto was just entering the zeitgeist, a hands-off approach allowed for rapid innovation and positioned the U.S. as a leader in this emerging field.
However, as the market matured under Biden’s watch, the less desirable aspects of cryptocurrency became more apparent. The spectacular collapses of projects like Terra/Luna and exchanges like FTX highlighted the need for stronger consumer protections. In this light, Biden’s more reactionary and regulatory approach can be seen as a justified response to the evolving landscape. That said, there’s room for debate on whether the Biden administration has struck the right balance.
Looking ahead, the future of cryptocurrency regulation in the U.S. is of paramount importance. Whether led by Trump, Biden, or another candidate, the next administration will need to navigate a complex landscape. They must balance fostering innovation, maintaining U.S. competitiveness in the global crypto market, and protecting consumers and the broader financial system.
Key considerations should include developing clear regulations, encouraging responsible innovation, collaborating on global standards, addressing environmental concerns, and exploring the potential of central bank digital currencies while preserving financial privacy.
Ultimately, the goal should be to harness the benefits of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology while mitigating its risks. This will require nuanced, flexible policies that can adapt to this rapidly evolving field.
Disclaimer: This article is intended solely for informational purposes and should not be considered trading or investment advice. Nothing herein should be construed as financial, legal, or tax advice. Trading or investing in cryptocurrencies carries a considerable risk of financial loss. Always conduct due diligence.
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