One Year Into Trump’s Presidency | Sentiment Shift in Crypto Markets

The mood in the crypto community has drastically changed in Trump's first year as president. Following his election on November 6, 2024, sentiment shifted decisively toward risk-taking, but optimism has since waned, raising questions about the future.

The Ebb and Flow of Crypto Sentiment

After Donald Trump’s election, market enthusiasm soared. By January 7, 2025, expectations for a supportive regulatory environment peaked. “Everything was on a sugar high,” recalled one commenter, reflecting on the early enthusiasm.

However, post-inauguration, optimism lost its grip. Sentiment dipped steadily, with rallies becoming shorter and recoveries weaker. The turning point appeared on October 23, 2025, when Trump pardoned a notable figure in the crypto world, but the positive effect didn't last. Instead, sentiment dropped below the optimistic baseline established after the election.

An Exhausting Trend

As of January 22, 2026, sentiment is still moving downward, showing signs of exhaustion among traders. Rather than tumbling in fear, many observers believe people are simply tired. “The charts don’t lie,” stated one forum participant, underscoring the sentiment's serious shift.

"This is a natural result of the previous excitement and nothing backing it up," commented another participant.

The Community Reacts

The crypto crowd's perspective on Trump is mixed. Critics claim he prioritizes personal gain over community interest. One comment noted, "He tanked the entire alt market and is bad for crypto in general." Meanwhile, others argue that macroeconomic factors overshadow the president’s influence. "Market dynamics are liquidity-driven," one commentator remarked, deflecting blame onto broader conditions.

Key Insights:

• **🚫 Sentiment dipped below election baseline, signaling potential market fatigue.

• 💔 “This sets a dangerous precedent.” - Comment at revered user board.

• 📉 Analysts note a pattern of reduced impact from positive news.

As traders evaluate potential next steps, what remains unclear is whether the current trend foreshadows a complete emotional unwind or sets the stage for a new cycle in crypto investment. Time will tell.

The Path Ahead for Crypto Enthusiasts

As the crypto market continues to experience a downturn, there’s a strong chance that traders might adopt a more cautious approach in the coming months. Analysts estimate around a 60% probability that sentiment may stabilize if macroeconomic indicators show improvement. On the flip side, if regulatory clarity does not emerge, we could see a further decline, possibly extending into 2026. Traders will likely focus on global economic trends and adapt strategies accordingly, as optimism will hinge on external validations rather than purely political maneuvers.

Echoes of the Dot-Com Era

A parallel can be drawn between the current situation in crypto and the late 1990s dot-com boom that followed a similar trajectory. Back then, the initial exuberance led to soaring internet company valuations, only to face a harsh correction. However, that period set the groundwork for internet integration into daily life, highlighting that the current lull in sentiment may not represent the end for crypto. Just as the dot-com bubble paved the way for tech's evolution, this phase may also usher in a future where crypto finds its more stable place in the financial ecosystem.