Trump’s Crypto Reserve Shocks Investors: Why Altcoins Came First
On March 2, 2025, former U.S. President Donald Trump made waves in the crypto world by confirming that Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) would be part of the newly proposed U.S. Crypto Strategic Reserve. However, the unexpected twist? Altcoins—Solana (SOL), XRP, and Cardano (ADA)—were prioritized first.
Trump’s Crypto Reserve Announcement and Market Reaction
Trump’s official statement on Truth Social sent shockwaves through the market, pushing the global crypto market cap up by 8.8% to $3.09 trillion. The 24-hour trading volume surged 159.21% to $190.24 billion, reflecting massive investor activity.
But what truly caught analysts’ attention was the sequence of Trump’s announcement. Initially, only SOL, XRP, and ADA were mentioned, causing a rapid surge:
- Solana (SOL): Rose 18.25%, reaching $169.81, with a market cap of $86.12 billion and $12.45 billion in trading volume.
- XRP: Jumped 24.4% to $2.79, with a market cap of $161.94 billion and $19.05 billion in trading volume.
- Cardano (ADA): Skyrocketed 59.74%, trading at $1.06, with a market cap of $37.45 billion and $9.13 billion in volume.
Whale activity also spiked significantly:
- 200 million ADA purchased in 24 hours.
- 270 million XRP accumulated in 48 hours.
- 3 million SOL ($510 million) transferred from an unknown wallet to Binance.
Why Did Trump Prioritize SOL, XRP, and ADA Over BTC & ETH?
The timing and order of Trump’s announcement sparked widespread speculation. Some theories suggest potential insider trading or market manipulation.
1. Insider Trading Suspicions
According6 to The Kobeissi Letter, an anonymous trader placed a $200 million BTC & ETH long position at 50x leverage just 24 hours before Trump’s announcement. If Bitcoin had dropped by 2%, the trader would have been liquidated. Instead, BTC surged to $94,000, adding $300 billion to the market cap.
The Kobeissi Letter highlighted that such precise timing raises serious questions about potential insider knowledge.
2. Pump-and-Dump Strategy?
Some analysts believe Trump strategically tested market reactions by announcing altcoins first. This approach could have allowed major investors to capitalize on the initial market pump before BTC and ETH’s inclusion.
3. Political and Strategic Reasons
Trump’s emphasis on Solana, XRP, and Cardano could be due to their recent media attention:
- Solana faced1 scrutiny after the Bybit security breach and Libra Coin scam.
- XRP gained momentum with ongoing SEC legal battles and speculation about an XRP ETF.
- Cardano saw increased adoption with Grayscale’s ETF filing.
By focusing on these assets first, Trump may have aimed to boost investor confidence in them before revealing BTC and ETH.
Regulatory Hurdles: When Will the Crypto Reserve Take Effect?
While Trump’s crypto reserve proposal excited investors, its path to implementation faces challenges. Even with an executive order, several legal steps remain:
- Congress Approval: Lawmakers must review and vote on the initiative.
- Federal Reserve Input: The Fed may weigh in on potential economic impacts.
- Regulatory Framework: Agencies like the SEC and CFTC could influence policies.
If Congress blocks the initiative, the crypto market could see a major correction—a risk investors must consider.
Final Thoughts: A Bold Crypto Vision or Market Manipulation?
Trump’s crypto reserve strategy signals a major shift in U.S. digital asset policies. However, the delayed inclusion of BTC and ETH, unusual whale movements, and suspicious leveraged trades leave many unanswered questions.
Is this a genuine effort to establish the U.S. as a crypto powerhouse, or was it a coordinated market play? The upcoming White House Crypto Summit on March 7 may provide clarity—but for now, the debate rages on.
Also Read:
- Trump’s Crypto Reserve Plan Sparks Market Surge & Heated Debate
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