Trump Vows Pro-Crypto Policies and Bitcoin Reserve in Coinbase Address

Former President Donald Trump reiterated his support for cryptocurrency during a recorded speech at Coinbase''s State of Crypto Summit. He pledged to create clear regulatory frameworks for digital assets, criticizing the previous administration''s ''war on crypto.'' Trump also emphasized advancing legislation such as the GENIUS Act to promote dollar-backed stablecoins and revealed plans for a U.S. Strategic Bitcoin Reserve. His remarks underscore a growing political focus on crypto-friendly policies as the 2024 election approaches.

Trump Pledges Clear Crypto Frameworks and Bitcoin Reserve in Coinbase Speech

Former President Donald Trump reaffirmed his pro-crypto stance in a recorded address at Coinbase''s State of crypto Summit, vowing to establish regulatory clarity for digital assets. His remarks focused on dismantling what he termed the previous administration''s ''war on crypto'' and advancing legislation like the GENIUS Act to support dollar-backed stablecoins.

Trump highlighted plans for a U.S. Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, though no such program has been implemented. The speech coincided with congressional momentum for crypto market structure bills, drawing scattered applause from the audience. Coinbase, a notable donor to Trump''s political efforts, hosted the event as the industry seeks favorable policy ahead of the 2024 election.

SEC Delays Decisions on Bitwise Dogecoin and Grayscale Hedera ETFs

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has extended its review period for two cryptocurrency exchange-traded funds, the Bitwise Dogecoin ETF and Grayscale''s Hedera (HBAR) ETF. Both proposals remain under consideration as regulators seek additional public input.

Coinbase Custody-backed Bitwise''s dogecoin ETF, filed in March 2025, would provide indirect exposure to the meme cryptocurrency. Grayscale''s HBAR trust, filed in February 2025, similarly aims to give traditional investors access to Hedera''s native token without direct ownership.

The delays reflect the SEC''s cautious approach toward crypto investment products rather than outright rejections. Market participants view the extended comment periods as part of the regulatory process for novel financial instruments.

Bitcoin Poised for Rally Amid U.S. Growth and Regulatory Tailwinds

Coinbase Research projects a bullish second half for crypto markets in 2025, fueled by improving macroeconomic conditions and regulatory progress. The U.S. economy''s rebound—with GDPNow tracking at 3.8%—has dampened recession fears, while anticipated Fed rate cuts and corporate crypto adoption create fertile ground for Bitcoin''s growth.

Institutional demand accelerates as public companies leverage new mark-to-market accounting rules, though convertible debt financing introduces volatility risks. Regulatory clarity emerges as a key catalyst, with Bitcoin positioned to benefit from dollar diversification and inflation hedging narratives. Altcoins may require ETF approvals or protocol upgrades to match BTC''s momentum.

Shopify to Enable USDC Payments on Coinbase''s Base for Merchants Worldwide

E-commerce giant Shopify is set to integrate stablecoin payments for merchants via Coinbase''s ethereum layer-2 network, Base. The rollout begins June 12 for early access merchants, with full availability expected later this year. Merchants will receive settlements in local currency without foreign transaction fees, while customers enjoy 1% cash back on USDC payments—a feature launching later in 2024.

Stablecoins like USDC are expanding beyond crypto trading, with adoption surging 54% year-over-year. Major firms including PayPal and Grab now leverage them for cross-border payments. The Shopify-Coinbase collaboration introduces an open-source payments protocol to streamline global commerce, combining crypto-native infrastructure with cost efficiency.

David Plouffe Highlights Crypto’s Role in Political Campaigns

David Plouffe, former advisor to Barack Obama and Kamala Harris, underscored cryptocurrency''s growing influence in politics during Coinbase''s "State of Crypto Summit" in New York. He acknowledged the Biden administration''s cautious stance on crypto while emphasizing its potential as a gateway for voter engagement. "For candidates, connecting with crypto enthusiasts—especially first-time voters—opens dialogue on broader issues like the economy or healthcare," Plouffe noted.

The event also featured Chris LaCivita, a TRUMP campaign co-manager, highlighting bipartisan recognition of crypto''s political clout. Plouffe referenced Trump''s dinner with major crypto holders as evidence of the sector''s rising strategic importance. Coinbase''s platform served as a neutral ground for this cross-aisle discussion.

Coinbase Forges Strategic Partnerships with American Express and Shopify to Advance Crypto Payments

Coinbase is accelerating mainstream crypto adoption through two landmark deals with financial and e-commerce giants. The exchange unveiled its first credit card partnership with American Express, offering bitcoin rewards on everyday spending, while simultaneously enabling stablecoin payments for Shopify merchants.

The Coinbase One Card, developed with Cardless and issued by First Electronic Bank, will provide up to 4% back in Bitcoin on purchases. Exclusive to U.S. Coinbase One members, the card leverages Amex''s payment infrastructure while signaling the credit card giant''s long-term bullish stance on blockchain technology.

Separately, Shopify will begin piloting stablecoin payments via Coinbase''s Base network in June before rolling out globally. The integration gives millions of merchants exposure to crypto-native customers while demonstrating Base''s growing utility as an Ethereum L2 solution.