Thousands protested across the U.S. on April 19, 2025, against Trump’s National Bitcoin Reserve proposal, with rallies in major cities like New York and Los Angeles, per Reuters. The plan, announced on April 18, aims to hold significant BTC to counter China’s $1.4 billion hoard, but critics argue it centralizes control, threatening crypto’s decentralized ethos. The unrest reflects broader discontent with Trump’s tariff policies, amplifying calls for regulatory clarity from the crypto community.
Social platforms show a polarized response—supporters see it as a pro-crypto move, potentially boosting Bitcoin to $250,000 as Hoskinson predicted, while opponents warn of market manipulation risks. The Justice Department’s disbanding of its crypto enforcement team on April 8 adds fuel, with analysts suggesting Congress’s response will determine the reserve’s fate. This could mark a turning point for U.S. crypto policy, depending on public and legislative pressure.