SEC Delays Truth Social Bitcoin ETF Decision - Here’s What It Means for Crypto Markets
Regulatory limbo strikes again as the SEC hits pause on Trump Media's controversial Bitcoin ETF proposal.
Wall Street's Waiting Game
The Securities and Exchange Commission just kicked the can down the road—delaying its verdict on Truth Social's spot Bitcoin ETF application. No surprise here: the agency's playing its favorite game of regulatory chicken while crypto markets hold their breath.
Market Impact & Investor Sentiment
Traders anticipated this move—ETF delays have become as predictable as Wall Street bonuses. But here's the twist: this isn't just another crypto fund. It's Trump Media's baby, blending politics with digital assets in ways that make traditional financiers clutch their pearls.
The Bigger Picture
While the SEC deliberates, Bitcoin doesn't care—it keeps marching to its own beat. Meanwhile, institutional money waits on the sidelines, watching regulators move at government speed while technology moves at light speed. Typical finance: always a day late and a dollar short when innovation's involved.
SEC Opens Public Commenting
The proposal was filed in June 2025 by NYSE Arca on behalf of TRUMP Media and Technology Group (TMTG). However, the SEC placed the application under extended review in late July, and on September 16, updated its docket to allow for public feedback.
If given the green light, the fund would be a commodity-based trust under Rule 8.201-E. It would also hold BTC directly and track the crypto asset’s price minus fees and expenses. Yorkville America Digital, LLC is listed as the sponsor, and the ETF would trade on NYSE Arca.
Trump Media has also submitted applications for other crypto products. These include the Truth Social Crypto Blue Chip ETF, lodged in July 2025, which proposes a basket of five digital assets, including BTC, ETH, SOL, CRO, and XRP, and a separate fund designed to provide exposure to BTC and ETH.
The SEC has so far acknowledged the two proposals, putting them under active evaluation. It moved its decision on the BTC & ETH funds to October 8, while no formal delay has been announced for the Blue Chip ETF.
Over 92 ETF Applications Await Resolution
The regulator’s Truth Social decision marks the latest in a series of postponements under its new Chair, Paul Atkins. More than 92 crypto ETF applications remain pending, with the financial watchdog expected to issue a wave of decisions in October once a generic listing framework is finalized.
Among the delayed filings are Franklin Templeton’s SOL and XRP ETFs, pushed to November 14 after the SEC used its full 60-day extension. BlackRock’s iShares ETH Trust has been rescheduled to October 30 following a 45-day stretch. The 21Shares SOL and XRP ETFs now face new deadlines of October 16 and 19, while WisdomTree’s XRP Fund, filed through Cboe BZX, has been moved to the 24 under prolonged review.
Other altcoin and meme-based products that have been rescheduled include Grayscale’s HBAR Trust and Bitwise’s DOGE ETF, whose decision dates were changed to November 12.
However, the new leadership under the Trump administration raises the chances of a potential green light for these investment products. Analysts like Nate Geraci, president of NovaDius Wealth Management, have also predicted an imminent surge in approvals for altcoin ETFs in the next two months.
