Trump Rallies Republicans: A Turning Point for Crypto ?
On July 15, 2025, a procedural failure during the Crypto Week shook the American crypto market. Twelve conservative Republicans, allied with Democrats, blocked the vote on three crucial bills : the GENIUS Act (stablecoin regulation), the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act (regulatory framework), and the Anti-CBDC Surveillance Act (ban on central bank digital currencies). Trump quickly responded on social media to calm the markets.
With 196 votes in favor and 223 against, Bitcoin dropped below $117,000, while crypto stocks like Circle (-7%) and Coinbase (-4%) plunged.
Facing this rare rebellion, President Trump acted swiftly. Tuesday evening, he gathered 11 of the 12 reluctant representatives in the Oval Office, with Speaker Mike Johnson joining online. Ultimately, an agreement was announced on Truth Social, where Trump declared : “After a brief discussion, they all agreed to vote for the Rule Wednesday morning.” This reversal rekindled optimism, triggering a rebound in altcoins.
Conservatives, like Marjorie Taylor Greene, had voted against, demanding an explicit ban on CBDCs in the GENIUS Act and the merger of all three bills into a single text. Greene insisted on X : “Americans don’t want a government-controlled CBDC.” Anna Paulina Luna, pro-crypto, shared these concerns, fearing a “backdoor” to CBDCs.
What Impact on Altcoins ?
Trump’s agreement boosted altcoins, which are more sensitive to regulatory uncertainties than Bitcoin. Here’s why :
- Regulatory clarity : The GENIUS Act and CLARITY Act would provide a clear legal framework, favoring DeFi-related altcoins (UNI, AAVE) and layer 1 protocols (Ethereum).
- Legitimization : Official recognition would encourage institutional adoption, crucial for altcoins.
- Stablecoins : Regulation of stablecoins would boost DeFi liquidity, benefiting altcoins.
Bitcoin, perceived as a store of value, benefits less than altcoins, which are more dependent on DeFi and smart contracts.
Geopolitical Stakes and Crypto Implications
Trump is positioning the United States in a crypto race against China and Europe. He has touted the GENIUS Act as a way to “propel America light-years ahead of its competitors.” This strategy attracts crypto companies, strengthening the domestic ecosystem and altcoins.
With 11 Republicans now on board, the procedural vote on July 16 should pass, given the narrow Republican majority (220-212). The GENIUS Act, already approved by the Senate (68-30), could quickly become law. The other bills, though not yet voted on in the Senate, would likely follow if combined.
In sum, adoption would pave the way for massive institutional investments and the repatriation of crypto companies to the United States. The CBDC ban would strengthen decentralized cryptocurrencies, which would be advantageous for altcoins. Wednesday’s vote will therefore be decisive for the future of American crypto.
