Crypto Market Plunges 12% Amid $1B Liquidations as Trump Reserve Plan Falters

The cryptocurrency market saw a sharp 12% decline, wiping out billions in value as over $1 billion in liquidations rocked traders. The sell-off comes amid growing uncertainty over former U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed reserve asset plan, which had previously fueled speculation about potential government crypto adoption.

Market Meltdown: What Triggered the Crash?

Several factors contributed to the sharp downturn, including:

  • Trump’s Reserve Plan Losing Momentum: Enthusiasm over reports that Trump’s policy team was considering Bitcoin or crypto assets as part of a potential alternative reserve strategy has faded. Market optimism cooled as analysts raised doubts about its feasibility.
  • Macroeconomic Uncertainty: Ongoing Federal Reserve policies, inflation concerns, and interest rate speculation continue to weigh on risk assets, including crypto.
  • Mass Liquidations: The market drop triggered a cascade of leveraged position liquidations, accelerating the sell-off.

$1B in Liquidations: Who Got Hit the Hardest?

According to data from Coinglass, over $1 billion in leveraged crypto positions were wiped out within 24 hours, marking one of the largest liquidation events in recent months.

  • Bitcoin (BTC): Fell over 10%, dipping below key support levels as long positions were liquidated.
  • Ethereum (ETH): Also suffered a double-digit percentage drop, with liquidations nearing $300 million.
  • Altcoins Crushed: Smaller-cap altcoins saw even steeper declines, with many losing 15-20% in value.

Trump’s Reserve Plan: What Went Wrong?

Initial excitement around the idea that Trump’s campaign was exploring a reserve diversification strategy involving Bitcoin or crypto assets led to bullish sentiment in previous weeks. However, recent reports suggest:

  • Lack of Clear Policy Framework: Trump’s team has yet to outline a concrete strategy for integrating crypto into any reserve plans.
  • Regulatory & Political Barriers: Pushback from Washington policymakers and financial institutions may have led to a cooling of support.
  • Market Overreaction: Analysts argue the crypto market may have prematurely priced in an unlikely pro-crypto reserve shift under a future Trump administration.

What’s Next? Can the Crypto Market Recover?

Despite the sharp downturn, some analysts see buying opportunities at current levels, with potential catalysts for recovery including:

  • Bitcoin Spot ETF Flows: Institutional inflows into spot Bitcoin ETFs remain strong, which could provide market support.
  • Upcoming Halving Event: The Bitcoin halving in 2024 is historically a bullish event for long-term price appreciation.
  • Renewed Political Clarity: If Trump or other political figures reaffirm a pro-crypto stance, sentiment could shift once again.

For now, traders remain on edge, watching whether Bitcoin can reclaim key support levels and whether broader macroeconomic conditions will stabilize.

While the crypto market’s 12% plunge and $1B in liquidations have shaken traders, volatility remains a constant in the industry. The fallout from Trump’s reserve plan uncertainty highlights the impact of political narratives on market sentiment—suggesting that crypto’s future may be increasingly tied to regulatory and policy developments.