At the World Economic Forum in Davos, US President Donald Trump pledged to sign sweeping cryptocurrency market structure legislation very soon, aiming to keep America as the crypto capital of the world. He framed the push as essential to outpace China in financial innovation. The remarks come amid bitcoin's surge above $90,000 and strong political support from the crypto industry.
US President Donald Trump delivered a wide-ranging speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, on January 21, 2026, where he emphasized his administration's commitment to cryptocurrency. Speaking for over an hour to world leaders and financial executives, Trump reiterated his goal of making the United States the "crypto capital of the world" to counter China's ambitions in the sector.
"To unleash innovation and savings and financing, I’m also working to ensure America remains the crypto capital of the world," Trump said. He highlighted the GENIUS Act, which he signed last year to establish a framework for regulating stablecoins, as a key step. Trump added that Congress is advancing broader crypto market structure legislation covering bitcoin and other assets, which he hopes to sign "very soon." This legislation, he argued, would unlock "new pathways to reach new financial freedom."
Trump acknowledged the political backing from the crypto industry, which spent hundreds of millions during the 2024 election cycle through political action committees. He contrasted his approach with that of former President Joe Biden and Democrats, claiming they only embraced crypto late in the campaign. "All of a sudden they loved it very much, but it was too late," Trump said. "They blew it."
Geopolitically, Trump pointed to China, which banned crypto trading in 2013 and is focusing on its digital yuan. "China wanted that [crypto] market too, just like they wanted the AI," he noted, asserting that the US has secured a lead. Since taking office, Trump's administration has issued executive orders for a Bitcoin Strategic Reserve and a working group, appointed industry supporters to key roles, and seen regulators like the Securities and Exchange Commission adopt a friendlier stance, dropping several lawsuits against digital asset firms.
Trump's family has also deepened ties to crypto, citing frustrations with traditional banks denying services. As Trump spoke, bitcoin traded around $89,942 to $90,000, reflecting market optimism over potential clearer regulations. Lawmakers continue negotiating the framework, with the Senate advancing it through committees amid delays in final language.
