Trump Ties Ignite New Crypto Regulation Showdown

Debates over crypto regulation reached a boiling point this week as House Democrats and Republicans held rival roundtables, each offering sharply different views on how—and whether—to regulate digital assets. The split was catalyzed by growing concerns around former President Donald Trump’s deepening involvement in the crypto industry, just months into his latest presidential term.

While Republicans focused on legislative progress and bipartisan proposals, Democrats, led by Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Calif.), condemned Trump’s personal crypto ventures and alleged conflicts of interest.

Democrats Slam “Crypto Corruption” Linked to Trump

During the Democratic roundtable, Waters labeled Trump’s digital asset dealings as blatant crypto corruption, accusing Republicans of enabling what she described as a coordinated effort by the Trump family to profit from an unregulated market. Trump’s affiliated company, World Liberty Financial, has already launched a stablecoin, and his family introduced a series of memecoins earlier this year.

“I am deeply concerned that Republicans aren’t just ignoring Trump’s corruption—they are legitimizing it,” said Waters. Her remarks come amid rising alarm over the former president’s sway over federal agencies that oversee cryptocurrency enforcement.

Other Democrats, including Reps. Sean Casten (D-Ill.) and Sylvia Garcia (D-Texas), echoed these sentiments, arguing that while they are subject to strict ethics rules, Trump appears to bypass such accountability. “They can parade around, and we can’t even be in a local parade,” Garcia noted in frustration.

Republican Focus: Frameworks and Bipartisan Progress

On the other side of the aisle, House Republicans continued with their own crypto regulation roundtable, emphasizing legislative initiatives such as FIT 21—a market structure bill previously backed by 71 Democrats. Rep. French Hill (R-Ark.) framed the roundtable as part of a constructive process to build a modern regulatory regime for digital assets.

“We’re approaching it in a fresh way,” Hill said. “To my friends on the other side of the aisle, our doors are always open.”

Rep. Angie Craig (D-Minn.), one of the few Democrats who remained in the Republican-led meeting, said, “Crypto isn’t going away. We have a responsibility to be part of the solution.”

The Republican side also discussed a new draft bill released Monday, which proposes clearer roles for the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), alongside enhanced disclosure requirements.

Bridging the Divide on Crypto Oversight

One notable point of agreement emerged from former CFTC Chair Timothy Massad, who joined the Democrats’ roundtable. Massad proposed a collaborative approach, urging Congress to create a self-regulatory organization jointly overseen by the SEC and CFTC. He described it as a pragmatic way to impose order on the crypto space without overhauling securities laws.

“It brings those two agencies together, which I think is very important,” said Massad. Waters tentatively agreed that finding a regulatory middle ground was possible—but made clear that Trump’s conduct remained her main concern.

Crypto Spats Move to Social Media

As if the divide on Capitol Hill weren’t deep enough, the official X (formerly Twitter) accounts for the House Financial Services and Agriculture Committees began trading insults. When Republicans posted, “While @RepMaxineWaters rushed out the door, adults remain in the room,” Democrats snapped back, calling the GOP “too scared to stand up to a President breaking the law.”

The exchanges got more personal when Republicans posted footage of Waters blowing a kiss to now-convicted FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried. Democrats retaliated with a reminder: “Meanwhile, the leader of your party is a twice-impeached, convicted felon. Try again.”

Why Crypto Regulation Is More Urgent Than Ever

The ongoing drama underscores a critical reality: crypto regulation is no longer a partisan curiosity—it’s a national priority. With figures like Donald Trump actively shaping the digital asset market, the stakes have never been higher. Whether through stablecoin oversight, conflict-of-interest safeguards, or bipartisan rulemaking, lawmakers are under increasing pressure to deliver meaningful reform. The only question is whether the politics of personality will derail that mission.

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Alpen Testnet Launch Marks a Step Toward Bitcoin’s Programmable, Scalable Future

NEW YORK, May 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Testnet Opens Door to Decentralized Trading, Borrowing, Earning, and Stablecoins on Bitcoin‘s Foundation.


Alpen Testnet Launch Marks a Step Toward Bitcoin’s Programmable, Scalable Future

Bitcoin‘s market cap sits close to $2 trillion, but its potential remains largely untapped, locked behind centralized solutions. The Alpen testnet is now publicly available, a major step toward unleashing that potential with programmability and scalability through zero-knowledge proofs. This milestone brings decentralized trading, borrowing, earning, stablecoins, and more one step closer to Bitcoin.

Bitcoin‘s not just for holding anymore,” said Simanta Gautam, CEO and co-founder of Alpen Labs. “Alpen equips developers with tools to build and users with the ability to engage with Bitcoin in all the ways they’ve wanted, no middlemen required. Some of the best teams in the space are already building on it, and we can’t wait to see what’s next.”

The Alpen testnet allows developers to experiment, build, and test BTC applications once confined to centralized exchanges, custodians, or wrapped tokens on other chains. For users, it offers a glimpse into an open future financial system that’s secure and self-custodial.

Alpen distills years of research by the Alpen Labs team into secure, trust-minimized programmability for Bitcoin. Alpen’s EVM compatibility enables crypto‘s largest developer base to use familiar tools to tap into Bitcoin‘s massive liquidity. Alpen’s BitVM2-based Strata bridge will provide applications with the most secure, trust-minimized BTC upon launch. Alpen’s zk-rollup architecture enables faster, lower-cost transactions while inheriting Bitcoin‘s unmatched security.

“I believe this represents one of the most important breakthroughs in blockchain history, uniting Bitcoin‘s unmatched security with the programmability we’ve waited 15 years for. Alpen is a game-changer for Bitcoin, and we’re proud to back a team that’s pushing the ecosystem to new heights.” — Nic Carter, Partner at Castle Island Ventures

Founded in 2022 by four MIT alumni and backed by Ribbit Capital, Stillmark, DBA, cyber•Fund, Castle Island Ventures, and others, Alpen Labs is reshaping Bitcoin‘s ecosystem into one where builders can securely innovate. This testnet paves the way for an upcoming mainnet launch that seeks to redefine Bitcoin‘s future.

Users can learn more at alpenlabs.io and read the launch blog post.

About Alpen Labs

Alpen Labs is shaping the next chapter of Bitcoin‘s story. With Alpen, Bitcoin gains programmability and scalability, enabling decentralized trading, lending, stablecoins, and more without compromising security or decentralization. Founded in New York by four MIT grads, Alpen Labs is connecting innovative finance to the world’s most trusted digital money.

Contact
Founder & CEO
Phil
21M Communications
phil@21mcommunications.com 

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Bitcoin Nears $100K as ETFs See Record Inflows

Bitcoin (BTC-USD) is on the verge of hitting a major psychological milestone, as it trades just below US$100,000. The original cryptocurrency has seen a strong rebound after a 10-week slump, driven by renewed investor interest, especially in exchange-traded funds (ETFs). The focus keyword, Bitcoin nears $100K, reflects both the market’s excitement and its broader implications.

Bitcoin Breaks Out After Market Slump

After facing weeks of pressure triggered by macroeconomic uncertainty—including Donald Trump’s recently reintroduced tariffs—Bitcoin nears $100K once again, climbing to US$97,483. That’s its highest level since February 21. The rally comes after a sharp 30% correction following Bitcoin’s previous all-time high of roughly US$109,000, set on Trump’s January 20 inauguration day.

While the broader stock and digital asset markets suffered due to tariff-induced fears, Bitcoin is showing renewed strength. Analysts say the latest surge is more about momentum and less about macroeconomic triggers like inflation or interest rates.

ETFs Fuel the Bitcoin Surge

Much of the upward momentum comes from rising inflows into Bitcoin and Ether ETFs. Over US$3.2 billion flowed into crypto ETFs last week alone. Notably, the iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF (NASDAQ:IBIT) drew in nearly US$1.5 billion, its largest weekly inflow of 2025.

This massive capital injection highlights the growing acceptance of Bitcoin as a legitimate investment vehicle among institutional and retail investors. As Bitcoin nears $100K, these ETFs serve as both a reflection of investor confidence and a key catalyst for price movement.

Smaller tokens like Dogecoin (DOGE-USD) and Ether (ETH-USD) have also rallied—up 4.8% and 3.3%, respectively—mirroring Bitcoin’s rise and confirming the bullish sentiment across the crypto market.

Spot Market Demand Over Derivatives

One of the most interesting developments in this rally is the shift from leveraged derivatives trading to spot market demand. In previous runs, Bitcoin’s price was often driven by futures and options activity. This time, however, investors are buying the asset outright—indicating more sustainable interest.

According to data from Coinglass and Deribit, bullish bets on Bitcoin have increased moderately. Call options with a $100,000 strike price are now seeing the highest open interest, suggesting traders expect Bitcoin to surpass that level soon.

Chris Newhouse, director of research at Ergonia, a decentralized finance trading firm, noted:

“Market sentiment has broadly shifted in favour of momentum-based trades fuelled by spot demand, as BTC breaches levels not seen since early February.”

This suggests a healthier market foundation compared to previous speculative bubbles.

Bitcoin’s Changing Role in Financial Markets

As Bitcoin nears $100K, its relationship with traditional financial assets like gold and equities continues to evolve. At times, Bitcoin moves in sync with inflation hedges like gold; at other times, it aligns more closely with high-risk tech stocks.

This shifting correlation indicates that Bitcoin is carving out a new identity: no longer just a hedge or a speculative play, but a multi-dimensional asset. Its growing role in ETF portfolios, rising institutional adoption, and shift toward spot demand all suggest that crypto is becoming more integrated into mainstream finance.

What’s Next for Bitcoin?

With $100,000 within reach, many investors are watching closely for a breakout—or a rejection—at this critical resistance level. Should Bitcoin close above that threshold, analysts expect a new wave of retail interest and further institutional inflows.

If macro factors like inflation or interest rates stay in check, the momentum behind Bitcoin nears $100K could carry it even higher. But caution remains. Any major regulatory news or economic shock could still derail the rally.

Final Thoughts

The phrase Bitcoin nears $100K captures more than just a number—it marks a turning point for the asset class. With ETFs drawing billions and investor sentiment shifting toward long-term holding strategies, Bitcoin’s next move could shape the entire future of crypto markets.

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Trump Crypto Scandal: $1.5M Dinners Raise Red Flags

Former President Donald Trump’s latest cryptocurrency ventures have sparked controversy once again. His high-priced fundraising dinners and personal involvement in digital assets are drawing sharp criticism from ethics watchdogs and advocacy groups. The emerging Trump crypto scandal—centered around pricey dinners and a personal memecoin—has triggered concerns over conflicts of interest, self-enrichment, and regulatory capture.

$1.5 Million Per Plate: The Crypto & AI Innovators Dinner

Trump is slated to attend two crypto-themed fundraising dinners this month, including the “Crypto & AI Innovators Dinner,” hosted by MAGA Inc., a super PAC that supports him. The cost of attendance? A staggering $1.5 million per plate.

Special guest David Sacks will join Trump at the event, and while MAGA Inc. supports his political initiatives, Trump is not eligible to run for a third term, prompting questions about where this massive influx of money is going. Critics say this type of event raises transparency and ethics red flags.

The dinners come amid Trump’s broader campaign to position the United States as the “crypto capital of the world,” a message that resonates with a new wave of digital asset investors. But the Trump crypto scandal goes deeper than policy.

Dinner for $Trump Holders: Profiting from a Memecoin

On May 22, Trump will host another exclusive dinner—this one reserved for the top 220 investors in his personal memecoin, $Trump. Around 80% of the token’s supply is controlled by the Trump Organization and its affiliates, giving the former president massive influence over its value and distribution.

The $Trump memecoin launched in January and surged in value after Trump announced the dinner incentive. It peaked at approximately $70 and has gained around 60% in value since the announcement. According to a Reuters report, Trump has already made an estimated $100 million in trading fees alone from the token.

Critics argue this blurs the line between personal business and public policy, especially as Trump continues to push for national crypto adoption.

Ethics Groups Sound the Alarm

The nonprofit State Democracy Defenders Action released a report warning that Trump is likely to profit directly from the policies he’s now advocating. The report highlights his creation of a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and a blockchain-focused directive earlier this year.

“The regulation of digital assets is in its nascency,” the report said, “but rather than divest his crypto assets to avoid any possible conflict of interest, President Trump seems to have positioned himself to maximize profiting from them.”

Another watchdog group, Accountable.US, went further in its criticism, labeling the memecoin dinners as a “nakedly corrupt self-enriching scheme.” Executive Director Tony Carrk stated, “The President is openly inviting investors to have a bidding war over who can buy the most access to him while he laughs all the way to the bank.”

The potential for influence peddling has become a central feature of the Trump crypto scandal, with observers warning that special interests could exploit these dinners to gain favorable policies in a future administration.

Conflict of Interest or Crypto Leadership?

Trump’s team argues that his goal is to make the U.S. a leader in blockchain technology and digital currency. Supporters view the dinners and memecoin as innovative ways to fundraise and engage with crypto-savvy audiences. Still, with Trump and his affiliates holding the majority of the $Trump supply, critics say there is a clear and present conflict of interest.

His dual role as a promoter of crypto policy and a private stakeholder with millions at stake raises questions rarely seen in modern U.S. politics.

The Future of Crypto Under Trump

As the 2024 election cycle unfolds, Trump’s deep ties to cryptocurrency—both ideological and financial—will remain a hot-button issue. Whether the Trump crypto scandal derails or fuels his political momentum depends on how voters and regulators respond to these overlapping interests.

For now, the line between policy and profit has never looked blurrier.

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Bybit Showcased Innovative Payments and Crypto Solutions at Web Summit Rio 2025

DUBAI, UAE, May 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Bybit, the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, is excited to have been a part of this year’s Web Summit in Rio. From April 27 to 30, the world’s largest technology event took place in Brazil’s startup city, Rio de Janeiro, where Bybit presented its future-ready crypto offering and innovative payments solutions. 


Bybit

Crypto integration into traditional payments is rapidly becoming part of everyday life for millions of users around the world, especially in emerging markets, and Bybit is at the forefront of the revolution with unmatched crypto-native solutions. Bybit—The Crypto Ark—caters to all of the crypto community’s needs — from trading, custody, on and off-ramping, payments, and more — and is fast becoming the ultimate crypto lifestyle brand. 

Through local partnerships and product innovation, Bybit’s LATAM chapter aspires to become the lifestyle partner of the crypto community. In 2025, Bybit officially launched Bybit Pay in Brazil powered by Transfero, offering a blockchain-based payment gateway and seamless crypto-to-fiat experience. This new product solution simplifies crypto payments and settlement for users in LATAM’s largest economy. 

Bybit Pay Key Features

  • QR Code support – scan to pay with fiat or crypto via PIX in Brazil
  • Unified crypto and fiat wallet management all in one place
  • Supports multiple currencies including BRL, USDT, USDC, BTC, and ETH
  • Secure transactions protected by blockchain encryption
  • Unlocking merchants access to Bybit’s 60+ million global users

At Web Summit Rio, the Bybit booth welcomed hundreds of attendees who experienced Bybit Pay in person. Visitors and the Bybit team exchanged insights on the future of crypto and how institutions, merchants, and retail users can pivot into the digital economy with on-chain solutions. 

Web Summit Rio also featured the Transfero x Bybit Happy Hour, presented by Bybit Pay at the Transfero booth. Visitors got their hands on Bybit’s innovative payments solutions built for crypto over a free beer and additional perks — experiencing a Bybit Pay transaction in seconds and taking home free Bybit-branded merchandise.

The all-in-one crypto powerhouse is also dedicated to enriching customer experience beyond transactions. Bybit recently announced its strategic partnership with Tomorrowland Brasil, making crypto a key highlight at this iconic music festival hosting hundreds of thousands of music fans every year. The upcoming rendition is set for October 10 to 12 in Itu, São Paulo. As the exclusive Payment Partner for Tomorrowland, Bybit’s sponsorship is a world-first — bridging music and the crypto savvy generation. 

“For the younger generation in Latin America, crypto is becoming a way of life. We want to help create a world where paying, sending, and investing in crypto becomes instant and borderless for everyday users. What we are building now will enable millions of customers to benefit from the rapidly emerging digital asset class both on-chain and in real life with increasing ease,” said Israel Buzaym, Country Manager of Brazil.

Local customers can explore Bybit Pay Brazil and the ultra-rewarding Bybit Card with up to 10% cashback in Brazil and Argentina.  

#Bybit / #TheCryptoArk  

About Bybit

Bybit is the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, serving a global community of over 60 million users. Founded in 2018, Bybit is redefining openness in the decentralized world by creating a simpler, open, and equal ecosystem for everyone. With a strong focus on Web3, Bybit partners strategically with leading blockchain protocols to provide robust infrastructure and drive on-chain innovation. Renowned for its secure custody, diverse marketplaces, intuitive user experience, and advanced blockchain tools, Bybit bridges the gap between TradFi and DeFi, empowering builders, creators, and enthusiasts to unlock the full potential of Web3. Discover the future of decentralized finance at Bybit.com.

For more details about Bybit, please visit Bybit Press

For media inquiries, please contact: media@bybit.com 

For updates, please follow: Bybit’s Communities and Social Media

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Contact
Head of PR
Tony Au
Bybit
tony.au@bybit.com

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