Crypto and Big Tech Behind Trump’s $300 Million White House Ballroom

Bitcoin has recently surged past the $110,000 mark, buoyed by increasing institutional support and the introduction of spot Bitcoin ETFs. This rise follows a period of volatility where Bitcoin dipped below key support levels. While the current momentum appears positive, Tom Lee, a prominent figure in the cryptocurrency space, has cautioned that there could be a potential 50% drop in Bitcoin's value. This situation highlights the ongoing uncertainty in the crypto market, making it crucial for investors to stay informed and cautious.

Ripple has successfully acquired Hidden Road, marking a significant step in its evolution as a comprehensive fintech provider. This acquisition is set to enhance Ripple's services for institutional clients and increase the utility of its RLUSD stablecoin. By expanding its offerings, Ripple aims to solidify its position in the competitive fintech landscape, making it easier for institutions to engage with digital currencies.

Speculation is rising in the cryptocurrency community regarding the potential for former FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried to receive a presidential pardon from Donald Trump. Following Trump's unexpected pardon of Binance founder Changpeng 'CZ' Zhao, betting markets on Polymarket have seen a surge in odds related to this possibility. This situation is significant as it highlights the ongoing intersection of politics and cryptocurrency, and how such decisions can impact market dynamics.

Coinbase and Ripple have emerged as significant contributors to a major construction initiative at the White House, highlighting the growing influence of cryptocurrency companies in political and infrastructural developments. This initiative not only showcases the financial power of these firms but also their commitment to engaging with government projects, which could pave the way for more collaboration between the crypto industry and public sector.

Recent estimates reveal that China is still a significant player in the Bitcoin mining sector, contributing about 14% of the global hash-rate as of late 2025. This marks a slight increase from the previous quarter, showcasing China's resilience and influence in the cryptocurrency landscape. With an estimated computing power of 145 EH/s, China's role is crucial as the industry evolves, especially in light of technological advancements like Google's recent breakthroughs in quantum computing that could impact Bitcoin's encryption.

Ripple has launched Ripple Prime, a comprehensive trading and financing desk aimed at institutional clients. This new platform is designed to streamline the trading process for institutions, offering them a one-stop solution for their crypto needs. The launch of Ripple Prime is significant as it positions Ripple as a key player in the fintech space, catering to the growing demand for institutional-grade services in the cryptocurrency market.

Michael Selig's unexpected rise to become the frontrunner for the chair of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) is a significant development in the ongoing political discourse surrounding cryptocurrency regulation in the U.S. As President Trump prepares to nominate him, this move could shape the future of crypto oversight, potentially influencing how digital currencies are regulated and integrated into the financial system.

In a surprising development, US President Donald Trump has granted a full pardon to Changpeng 'CZ' Zhao, the founder of Binance, which is the largest cryptocurrency exchange globally. This pardon comes after Zhao's guilty plea regarding anti-money laundering regulations, leading to his resignation as CEO. This significant move not only clears Zhao's name but also signals a potential new chapter for Binance, paving the way for its expansion in Asia and strengthening its position in the stablecoin market.

Bitcoin has recently surged past the $110,000 mark, buoyed by increasing institutional support and the introduction of spot Bitcoin ETFs. This rise follows a period of volatility where Bitcoin dipped below key support levels. While the current momentum appears positive, Tom Lee, a prominent figure in the cryptocurrency space, has cautioned that there could be a potential 50% drop in Bitcoin's value. This situation highlights the ongoing uncertainty in the crypto market, making it crucial for investors to stay informed and cautious.

Changpeng Zhao, the co-founder of Binance, is generating buzz with his recent presidential pardon, which could open new doors for the cryptocurrency exchange in the U.S. This development raises questions about his potential return as CEO and what it means for Binance's future operations in the country. Industry experts believe that if Zhao resumes leadership, it could strengthen Binance's position in the competitive U.S. market, making this a significant moment for both Zhao and the exchange.

Cardano (ADA) is showing signs of a significant rally as bullish technical indicators and network milestones boost trader confidence. Currently priced around $0.65, ADA is poised for a breakout after a period of consolidation. Analysts are optimistic, suggesting that the token could soon reach a target of $2.50, making this an exciting time for investors and traders alike.

Ripple has successfully acquired Hidden Road, marking a significant step in its evolution as a comprehensive fintech provider. This acquisition is set to enhance Ripple's services for institutional clients and increase the utility of its RLUSD stablecoin. By expanding its offerings, Ripple aims to solidify its position in the competitive fintech landscape, making it easier for institutions to engage with digital currencies.

Custodia and Vantage are making waves in the banking sector by integrating tokenization directly into everyday banking systems. This innovation allows for more secure and efficient transactions, potentially transforming how customers interact with their finances. By enabling tokenized deposits, these companies are not just enhancing security but also paving the way for a more modern banking experience. This development is significant as it could lead to broader adoption of digital assets in traditional finance, making banking more accessible and efficient for everyone.

Dan Morehead, the founder and CEO of Pantera Capital, believes that the current crypto bull run is far from over. In a recent discussion with Raoul Pal from Real Vision, Morehead highlights that the ongoing trend is driven by fiat debasement, which is pushing investors towards scarce and higher-risk assets. This conversation sheds light on the broader economic factors at play, including policy errors and persistent inflation, suggesting that institutional and sovereign investments are increasingly shifting towards digital assets. This insight is crucial for understanding the future of both crypto and traditional finance.