US President Donald Trump recently unveiled the $500 billion Stargate project, a groundbreaking AI infrastructure initiative that has captured market attention. Collaborating with OpenAI, SoftBank, Oracle, and MGX, the project is based in the US and has already secured $100 billion in initial funding. Industry experts suggest this move could significantly influence the AI and cryptocurrency markets.
Dr Max Li, CEO of decentralised cloud platform OORT, highlighted the impact Stargate could have on AI tokens. He noted the strong connection between AI advancements and digital assets, predicting a surge in AI projects and token launches. Li warned that while many projects may emerge, only those with genuine utility and business value would endure.
The announcement triggered immediate market reactions, with AI tokens such as ai16z and Worldcoin seeing notable price increases. The rising interest in the convergence of artificial intelligence and decentralised finance (DeFi) suggests that the Stargate initiative could accelerate innovation in both sectors.
As AI continues to intersect with blockchain, the Stargate project positions the US at the forefront of these technological advancements, paving the way for further growth in AI-driven digital assets.
At the 2025 World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, the cryptocurrency industry engaged in intense debate, particularly surrounding Bitcoin and its potential role as a strategic reserve asset for the US. Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong reaffirmed that the push for a Bitcoin reserve, backed by figures like US Senator Cynthia Lummis and President Donald Trump, remains strong despite the recent memecoin frenzy surrounding Trump’s TRUMP token. Armstrong emphasised that Bitcoin, much like gold, is a valuable reserve asset due to its scarcity, portability, and divisibility, potentially making it a new gold standard for global reserves.
While the concept of a Bitcoin reserve gained support from many, Lesetja Kganyago, the governor of South Africa’s Reserve Bank, expressed doubts. He questioned why Bitcoin should replace traditional reserves like gold or even other natural resources like platinum. However, Armstrong countered by highlighting Bitcoin’s advantages over gold, noting that its higher utility and performance make it a strong candidate to eventually surpass gold in central bank reserves.
The session also delved into the growing influence of the US cryptocurrency lobby, particularly the positive effects of Trump’s administration on the sector. SkyBridge Capital’s Anthony Scaramucci critiqued the Democratic Party for failing to engage with the rapidly evolving crypto industry, while others noted the industry’s shift towards international markets due to the challenging regulatory environment in the US. Armstrong added that ‘the Trump effect’ has provided the sector with new optimism, suggesting a more favourable climate for crypto growth under the new administration.
CLS Global, a cryptocurrency financial services company based in the United Arab Emirates, has agreed to plead guilty to US charges of market manipulation. The company was implicated in “Operation Token Mirrors,” a groundbreaking FBI investigation that utilised an undercover digital token to expose fraud in the cryptocurrency sector. Prosecutors revealed CLS had engaged in illegal practices, including wash trading, to manipulate the market for a token created by the FBI.
The probe, launched last year, involved creating a fake cryptocurrency company and token called NexFundAI to uncover illicit activities. CLS admitted to providing fraudulent trading services for the token, artificially inflating its trading volume and price. As part of a plea deal, CLS will pay $428,059 in penalties, cease operations involving US cryptocurrency platforms, and adopt stricter compliance measures.
The case marks a major milestone in law enforcement’s efforts to regulate the cryptocurrency industry and combat fraudulent practices. Federal prosecutors described the operation as a model for tackling crypto-related crime, demonstrating the FBI’s innovative approach to targeting market manipulators. CLS also agreed to settle related civil charges with the US Securities and Exchange Commission.
On 20 January, Donald Trump returned to the White House for his second term as President, delivering a speech focused on unity, economic growth, and border control. However, the crypto community noticed a glaring omission—there was no mention of cryptocurrencies or Bitcoin, despite recent developments involving the Trump family in the crypto space, including the launch of their meme coins. The lack of attention to crypto has left the industry uncertain about Trump’s stance, but optimism remains.
The first day of Trump’s second term saw a flurry of executive orders, but none addressed cryptocurrency. Despite hopes for swift action on issues like Bitcoin reserves or crypto advisory councils, the day passed without immediate policy clarity. However, insiders suggest that significant moves are still in the pipeline, including potential executive orders banning central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) and easing restrictions on banks holding digital assets.
Behind the scenes, the Trump family has continued to bet on crypto, with Donald Trump Jr. announcing $120 million in investments across various crypto assets, including Ethereum, Wrapped Bitcoin, and Chainlink. Additionally, key regulatory changes have already begun, with pro-crypto figures taking leadership roles in the SEC and CFTC, which may signal a more favourable regulatory environment for the industry.
Although Trump’s administration has yet to take definitive action on crypto, the market remains hopeful, with Bitcoin maintaining strong performance and hints of regulatory shifts sparking optimism. While the immediate future is unclear, the crypto industry remains eager for what might come next under Trump’s leadership.
The X account of Cuba’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been locked following allegations of promoting and profiting from several Solana-based meme coins. The controversy began when the account appeared to promote a token called ‘CUBA,’ sparking speculation about potential government involvement in the recent meme coin frenzy.
The CUBA token reportedly surged to a $30 million market cap before collapsing, with additional tokens like “Cuba Coin 2.0” and ‘Justice for Cuba Coin’ failing within a day. Screenshots also surfaced of another token, “CUBA 4.0,” further raising questions about hacking or misuse of the account. Whilst the Ministry’s X account briefly addressed “difficulties” before being deleted, no official statement has been issued.
Adding to the confusion, an X Space titled ‘Sorry from $CUBA,’ hosted by the account, included an apology from a person claiming to represent the Cuban government. The host initially denied wrongdoing but later made an erratic statement about a “million MC” before the Space was removed.
As the Ministry’s X account remains disabled and no clarification has been provided, the situation continues to fuel debate over the Cuban government’s potential connection to the meme coin drama.
According to its National Bitcoin Office, El Salvador has added $1 million worth of Bitcoin to its Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, purchasing 12 BTC over two days. This acquisition comes despite a recent agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to scale back some of its crypto policies, including reducing government involvement in the Chivo wallet and making private-sector Bitcoin acceptance voluntary.
The latest purchase increases the country’s Bitcoin holdings to 6,044 BTC, valued at nearly $610 million. El Salvador’s Bitcoin investments remain consistent with President Nayib Bukele’s vision, even as a recent survey indicated that 92% of Salvadorans do not use Bitcoin for transactions.
El Salvador’s commitment to Bitcoin began in September 2021 when it became the first nation to adopt the cryptocurrency as legal tender. While other countries like Bhutan are investing heavily in digital assets, El Salvador’s bold moves continue to draw global attention and spark debate over its long-term crypto strategy.
Donald Trump’s newly launched meme coin, $TRUMP, has seen explosive growth, reaching a market cap of approximately $9 billion after peaking at over $15 billion on Sunday. The coin, which was announced on Truth Social ahead of Trump’s second presidential inauguration, quickly surged by more than 300% shortly after its release. By Sunday evening, the price had settled at just over $46, with a market cap of $9.36 billion. The coin, which operates on the Solana blockchain, is limited to an initial 200 million coins, with plans to expand to 1 billion over the next three years.
The $TRUMP token’s meteoric rise was accompanied by massive trading activity, hitting a 24-hour trading volume of $36.15 billion. However, the coin’s developers, including Trump’s affiliates CIC Digital LLC and Fight Fight Fight LLC, have made it clear that $TRUMP is not an investment opportunity, nor is it tied to any political campaign or government entity. Despite this, its launch has sparked interest, particularly in light of Trump’s ongoing political influence and support from cryptocurrency industry backers.
Trump’s meme coin is the latest in a series of merchandise ventures, including luxury items such as Trump-branded watches, perfumes, and NFTs. His administration has also expressed plans to reduce regulatory burdens on crypto firms and create a Bitcoin reserve. The growing anticipation surrounding Trump’s second term, along with his pro-crypto stance, continues to fuel optimism within the crypto market.
Additionally, Melania Trump entered the crypto space with the launch of her coin, $MELANIA, based on the Solana blockchain. The collaboration between the Trumps further aligns with their vision of a flourishing digital economy as they approach the new administration.
Melania Trump has unveiled her cryptocurrency, $MELANIA, just ahead of her husband Donald Trump’s inauguration as the US president. The token, hosted on the Solana blockchain, debuted with a market valuation of $1.7 billion, following the earlier release of $TRUMP, which currently boasts a $12 billion valuation.
Announcing the launch on social platform X, Melania’s post invited users to join the ‘Official Melania Meme’ movement. Both $MELANIA and $TRUMP websites include disclaimers stating the tokens are not intended as investment opportunities or securities, adding a layer of caution to their promotional efforts.
These developments highlight a shift in the Trump family’s stance on digital assets, with Donald Trump previously labelling crypto a ‘scam.’ During his campaign, however, he embraced the industry, pledging to reduce regulatory barriers and create a strategic Bitcoin reserve. His victory fuelled optimism in the market, driving Bitcoin to a record high of $107,000.
The crypto world continues to watch as the Trumps’ venture into digital currencies unfolds, with broader implications for regulatory policies and market dynamics under the new administration.
The incoming Trump administration is set to shape the future of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology in the United States with a wave of key appointments and nominations. As President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office, crypto advocates are hopeful that the new leadership will take a friendlier stance toward the industry, marking a departure from years of lawsuits and enforcement actions.
Among the prominent appointees, billionaire hedge fund manager Scott Bessent, slated to be Treasury Secretary, has voiced strong support for crypto, calling it “about freedom.” Commerce Secretary nominee Howard Lutnick, who leads Cantor Fitzgerald, is an active bitcoin proponent, while Elon Musk, heading the new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), has a well-documented history of championing cryptocurrencies like bitcoin and dogecoin. Vivek Ramaswamy, a former presidential candidate, will work alongside Musk at DOGE, with a focus on integrating bitcoin into broader investment portfolios.
David Sacks, a former PayPal executive and crypto investor, was named the administration’s AI and crypto czar, tasked with creating a long-sought legal framework for digital assets. Vice President-elect J.D. Vance and members of the Trump family, including Eric Trump, Donald Trump Jr., and Barron Trump, have also signalled strong support for cryptocurrency, further solidifying the administration’s pro-crypto stance. With SEC Chair nominee Paul Atkins advocating for deregulation, the industry is optimistic about a more innovation-friendly approach.
The Trump administration’s apparent focus on fostering a robust US crypto industry has already garnered attention, including a sold-out crypto-themed ball in Washington. While critics voice concerns about conflicts of interest and regulatory gaps, supporters believe these appointments could position the US as a global leader in cryptocurrency and blockchain technology.
A recent survey by CryptoQuant reveals that a significant portion of the cryptocurrency market is made up of younger, well-educated investors, with over 60% of participants aged between 25 and 44. The survey also highlighted that nearly half of crypto investors hold at least a bachelor’s degree, and most invest less than $10,000 annually, showing that retail investors are the dominant force in the market.
Binance emerged as the preferred exchange for 53% of respondents, with the platform also being the most profitable for many, with 51% of users reporting their largest gains through it. Other platforms like Bybit and OKX were popular among full-time traders, while Coinbase and Kraken were favoured by part-time investors. Regionally, Binance leads in Asia, Africa, and South America, while Coinbase remains the top choice in North America.
Bitcoin continues to be the most sought-after cryptocurrency, followed by Ethereum and other assets like Solana and XRP. The survey underscores the growing confidence in blue-chip cryptocurrencies, with investors focusing on established projects to limit risk.
