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Trump and biden: a year of cryptocurrency returns

Biden vs Trump | First Year Crypto Performance Dissected

By

Maximillian Brown

Jan 24, 2026, 07:13 PM

3 minutes needed to read

A chart showing the performance of Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana under Trump and Biden, with Bitcoin declining and Ethereum rising.

In the span of one year since Donald Trump took office, a substantial drop in cryptocurrency values has left many in the market uneasy. Recent comparisons between Trump's first-year performance and Joe Biden's reveal striking shifts in crypto returns.

Bitcoin Returns: A Stark Contrast

  • Bidenโ€™s First Year: 1/20/2021 - 1/20/2022

    • Bitcoin began at approximately $35,000, ending near the same mark.

    • Return:

((35,000 - 35,000) / 35,000) * 100 = -1.5%

  • Result: Essentially flat.

  • Trumpโ€™s First Year: 1/20/2025 - 1/20/2026

    • Bitcoin's value dropped from around $101,084 to $92,558.

    • Return:

((92,558 - 101,084) / 101,084) * 100 = -8.4%

  • Result: Modest decline, influenced by tariffs.

"If Trump could guarantee no new tariffs, maybe the market will recover," one crypto investor commented.

Ethereum & Solana: Mixed Fortunes

Ethereum Results

  • Bidenโ€™s First Year:

    • Starting value: ~$1,000

    • Ending value: ~$2,000

    • Return:

((2,000 - 1,000) / 1,000) * 100 = +94.5%

  • Result: Nearly doubled.

  • Trumpโ€™s First Year:

    • Starting value: ~$3,300

    • Ending value: ~$2,800

    • Return:

((2,800 - 3,300) / 3,300) * 100 = -10.9%
  • Result: Significant drop, again linked to tariffs.

Solana's Rocketing Growth

  • Bidenโ€™s Era Growth:

    • Initial value: ~$1.50, closing value: ~$35.00

    • Return:

((35.00 - 1.50) / 1.50) * 100 = +2,243%

  • Result: Explosive growth.

  • Trumpโ€™s First Year Activity:

    • Initial value: Values remain undisclosed but indicate sharp downturn.

    • Return:

((x - y) / y) * 100 = -48.1%
  • Result: Severe decline affecting investor sentiment.

"Investors are nervous about constant tariffs affecting the market," highlighted one analyst.

Market Sentiment: A Mixed Bag

Comments from people reflect strong frustration with President Trump's economic policies.

  • Negativity Around Tariffs: Many assert tariffs are not beneficial for cryptocurrencies.

  • Disillusionment with Speculative Nature: "Crypto is still a speculative playground without real applications," remarked one commenter.

  • Diverse Perspectives: A user noted, "Trump is good for crypto. Stop following liberal lies," indicating varying opinions on his policies.

Key Highlights

  • โ—ผ๏ธ Bitcoin down 8.4% under Trump, flat under Biden.

  • โ—ผ๏ธ Ethereum nearly doubled under Biden, lost 10.9% under Trump.

  • โ—ผ๏ธ Solana skyrocketed 2,243% in Bidenโ€™s term but plummeted by 48.1% in Trumpโ€™s.

As the crypto market continues to react to economic policies, experts watch closely. Investors are left questioning the impact of tariffs and future regulations on their investments.

The year ahead may be crucial for recovery or further decline.

Shifting Tides of Investment Trends

As the tension around tariffs continues, experts predict a complex recovery path for cryptocurrencies. There's a strong chance that if Trump's administration shifts its stance on trade policies, particularly regarding tariffs, we could see a rebound in crypto values. Analysts estimate around a 60% probability of recovery in the next year if positive policy changes occur, especially for Bitcoin and Ethereum, which have been hit the hardest. However, ongoing uncertainty may linger as investors weigh external factors such as inflation and regulatory pressures. Strong market movements could also stem from public interest and mainstream adoption, sparking a resurgence in investor confidence.

Cryptos and the Sock Market: An Unexpected Echo

A notable yet overlooked parallel can be drawn between todayโ€™s crypto landscape and the stock market's recovery post-2008 financial crisis. Back then, investor sentiment plummeted, much like today's unease over Trump's tariffs. Yet, from the ashes of skepticism, the stock market experienced an unexpected resurgence driven by innovative tech growth and adaptive investment strategies. Just as that recovery was fueled by transformative companies, the crypto market may find its footing in the innovative applications and possible regulation enhancements that continue to emerge, illustrating that even in challenging economic climates, pathways to growth can develop in the unlikeliest of circumstances.