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Comparing crypto returns: biden vs trump in 1st year

Biden vs Trump: Crypto Performance After One Year | A Closer Look at Market Trends

By

Lucas Zhang

Jan 24, 2026, 07:13 PM

Edited By

Carlos Lopez

3 minutes to read

Graph showing Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana price changes during Biden and Trump administrations.

As the first year of Donald Trump's presidency comes to a close, crypto investors are analyzing the impacts of political policies on market returns. The stark contrast in Bitcoin and Ethereum performance under Trump and Biden raises questions about policy implications and investor sentiment.

Quick Overview of Crypto Returns

Under President Joe Biden, Bitcoin recorded a stable performance with a return of approximately -1.5% during his first year. Comparatively, during Trump's first year, Bitcoin saw a drop of around -8.4%, attributed to trade tariffs affecting investor confidence.

Ethereum's journey paints a different picture. Bitcoin's popular counterpart nearly doubled under Biden with a 94.5% increase but experienced a 10.9% decline during Trump's presidency.

Interestingly, Solana showcased explosive growth during Biden's tenure, skyrocketing by over 2,243%. However, under Trump, Solana fell by -48.1%, raising eyebrows in the crypto community.

Themes Emerging from Investor Sentiment

Several themes have emerged from comments among the people:

  • Economic Factors: Many believe that high employment and grocery prices directly impact crypto investments. A user remarked, "People don’t purchase crypto when they can’t find jobs."

  • Policy Impacts: Discussions highlight that Trump's tariffs have a chilling effect on crypto. One comment suggested, "Tariffs are bad for crypto, making investors nervous."

  • Speculation Debate: A recurring debate centers on the speculative nature of crypto. A user pointed out, "After 15+ years, crypto is still a speculative playground."

"Trump’s policies favor crypto, but tariffs create uncertainty" - Crypto Investor

Curiously, the sentiment around Trump's influence remains mixed. While some argue that his administration could bolster crypto with relaxed policies, others fear the unpredictability of constant tariffs.

Key Insights

  • πŸ”Ό Bitcoin’s return under Biden: -1.5%

  • πŸ”½ Bitcoin’s return under Trump: -8.4%

  • πŸš€ Ethereum’s growth under Biden: +94.5%

  • πŸ”½ Ethereum’s decline under Trump: -10.9%

  • 🌟 Solana’s rise under Biden: +2,243%

  • πŸ”½ Solana’s fall under Trump: -48.1%

As the political landscape shifts, the crypto market remains highly sensitive to policy changes. With ongoing discussions about tariffs and economic strategies, will the market respond positively or will anxiety prevail? Investors in crypto are keenly observing the developments as the new administration settles in.

A Shift on the Horizon

Looking ahead, the crypto landscape is poised for changes as the Biden administration continues to implement policies. There's a strong chance that an improved job market could boost investor confidence, potentially leading to a rise in crypto investments. Experts estimate around a 60% possibility that Bitcoin could stabilize or even rebound slightly in the coming year if economic indicators show positive trends. Conversely, persistent trade policies could hinder growth, particularly for altcoins like Solana, which thrived under previous conditions. If tariffs remain, a significant decline in investor enthusiasm could be anticipated, leading to a 40% chance of a downturn similar to Trump's first year. As people grapple with economic factors and policy impacts, the reactions in crypto prices will remain closely tied to political decisions.

Drawing Lessons from Yesteryears

An interesting parallel can be made with the automotive industry in the early 2000s, where policy changes and economic shifts dramatically impacted consumer behavior. Just as the auto sector faced challenges during trade disputes, leading to dips in production and sales, the current crypto market grapples with similar volatility influenced by trade tariffs and economic uncertainties. Amid shifting governmental landscapes, both sectors have shown resilience; however, they also reflect how policy can either ignite growth or stifle innovation. Observers today may find it intriguing that as car manufacturers adapted strategies to navigate tough times, crypto investors might need to rethink their approaches in response to evolving market dynamics.