Bitcoin’s Regulatory Landscape Shifts as Political Winds Change

In a significant development at the intersection of cryptocurrency, regulation, and politics, former President Donald Trump has signaled a potential review of the case against Keonne Rodriguez, co-founder of the privacy-focused Bitcoin wallet Samourai Wallet. Rodriguez was recently sentenced to five years in prison for operating an unlicensed money transmitting business—a case that has drawn intense scrutiny and debate within the cryptocurrency community. This move by the Trump administration, which has previously shown leniency toward high-profile crypto figures, underscores a broader and increasingly pivotal trend: the growing politicization of digital asset regulation and its profound implications for Bitcoin's future trajectory. As the 2025 landscape unfolds, this event is not merely a legal footnote but a potential bellwether for a more favorable regulatory environment that could catalyze the next major phase of Bitcoin adoption and price appreciation. The case touches on core tenets of the crypto ethos—financial privacy, decentralization, and resistance to opaque financial surveillance—making its outcome symbolic for the entire ecosystem. A potential pardon or sentence commutation would be interpreted by the market as a powerful signal of reduced regulatory hostility toward privacy-enhancing technologies and innovative financial infrastructure built on Bitcoin. Historically, clarity and perceived friendliness in regulation have acted as key accelerants for institutional capital inflows. Should this political trend solidify, it could remove a significant overhang of uncertainty that has constrained some institutional participation. Furthermore, it validates the growing political influence and lobbying power of the cryptocurrency sector, ensuring its concerns are weighed more heavily in future policy debates. For Bitcoin specifically, a more lenient stance on auxiliary services like wallets and mixers could enhance network liquidity, privacy, and overall utility, strengthening its core value propositions. As we approach the end of 2025, with macroeconomic conditions like potential rate cuts and persistent fiscal deficits already creating a bullish backdrop for hard assets, a supportive regulatory shift could be the missing catalyst that propels Bitcoin toward new all-time highs. Investors and practitioners should monitor these political developments with the same rigor as technical analysis, as they are becoming equally critical in determining market structure and long-term valuation models for digital assets.

Samourai Wallet Co-Founder Could Join Trump’s List of Crypto Pardons

President Donald Trump has signaled a potential review of the case against Keonne Rodriguez, co-founder of privacy-focused Bitcoin wallet Samourai Wallet. Rodriguez was recently sentenced to five years in prison for operating an unlicensed money transmitting business—a case that has drawn attention from the cryptocurrency community.

The Trump administration has previously shown leniency toward high-profile crypto figures, including pardoning others in the industry. This history has fueled speculation that Rodriguez might receive similar clemency. When pressed on the matter, Trump acknowledged the calls for leniency but stopped short of endorsing a specific outcome, stating only that the case would be examined.

The development underscores the ongoing tension between regulatory enforcement and the crypto sector’s push for innovation. A pardon for Rodriguez could further energize bitcoin advocates, particularly those championing financial privacy tools.

Grayscale Predicts New Bitcoin ATH by 2026, Defying Traditional Cycle

Grayscale Investments challenges conventional market wisdom with a bold projection: Bitcoin will reach a new all-time high by June 2026. This forecast breaks from the cryptocurrency's established four-year cycle, instead anchoring its thesis in macroeconomic fundamentals.

Mounting global debt, persistent inflation, and evolving U.S. cryptocurrency regulations FORM the backdrop for this optimistic outlook. The report positions Bitcoin as an emerging safe haven asset, gaining structural relevance as confidence in fiat currencies erodes.

Institutional maturity and tangible utility now drive Bitcoin's valuation, according to Grayscale's analysis. The December 16 report suggests these factors could propel the cryptocurrency past previous records during the first half of 2026, regardless of short-term market volatility.

Bitcoin Slide Triggers Liquidation Wave Across Crypto Markets

Bitcoin's sharp pullback has sent shockwaves through the cryptocurrency markets, triggering a cascade of forced liquidations and wiping out hundreds of millions in Leveraged positions. The selloff accelerated as key support levels broke, thinning market depth and amplifying downside momentum.

Derivatives markets exacerbated the move, with elevated funding rates revealing overcrowded long positioning before the drop. Exchange order books saw intensified selling pressure as stop orders triggered and buyers retreated to sidelines.

The liquidation storm highlights persistent volatility risks in crypto markets, particularly when leverage unwinds rapidly. Market participants now debate whether this represents a healthy correction or signals deeper structural weakness.

Bitcoin Holds Critical $85K Support as Market Awaits Next Move

Bitcoin's price hovers NEAR $86,000, testing a crucial support zone for the third time after retreating 30% from October's $126,000 peak. The $85,000-$86,000 range now serves as a litmus test for market direction, with order books showing concentrated buy interest at these levels.

Analysts highlight the technical significance of this region, which aligns with November's consolidation base. A breach could trigger a retest of yearly lows, while holding may set the stage for accumulation. Trading volume contraction suggests mounting tension between bulls and bears—a coiled spring awaiting release.

Bitcoin Analysis: Wave 4 Correction Paves Way for Potential Rally Beyond $120K

Bitcoin's current pullback to $83,852 represents a textbook wave four correction within its broader bullish structure, according to technical analysis. The cryptocurrency maintains key support at the 0.382 Fibonacci level while whales continue distributing to retail buyers—a pattern consistent with mid-cycle accumulation.

Long-term charts show Bitcoin respecting its macro trajectory, with the 2021 peak near $69,000 aligning precisely with Fibonacci extensions. The subsequent 2022-2023 consolidation between $14,700-$26,000 now serves as a confirmed base, with the 200-week moving average acting as dynamic support.

Fibonacci projections suggest upside targets at $127,000 and $158,500 remain valid despite the current retracement. Market structure resembles previous cycles where breaks of wave three trendlines preceded final parabolic advances.

Gemini Launches Regulated Prediction Markets in All 50 US States After Five-Year Approval Process

Gemini has unveiled Gemini Predictions, a platform enabling users to trade binary contracts on real-world outcomes using USD balances from their existing accounts. The service launched following a five-year regulatory journey, culminating in Gemini Titan LLC receiving a CFTC Designated Contract Market license on December 10.

The platform features instantaneous execution of yes/no contracts on events ranging from Bitcoin's price trajectory to regulatory outcomes for major tech companies. Early adopters benefit from fee-free trading during the introductory period, with access currently available via web and iOS interfaces.

CEO Tyler Winklevoss acknowledged political support for the approval, specifically citing the TRUMP administration and CFTC leadership. "This milestone reflects America's growing embrace of crypto innovation," Winklevoss stated, positioning the launch as a watershed moment for regulated prediction markets.