US crypto stocks closed lower on January 21 as the crypto industry awaited President Donald Trump’s long-anticipated actions on cryptocurrency policy. Despite high expectations that Trump would address crypto on his first day in office, there were no significant announcements, leaving many investors uncertain.
Shares of major crypto stocks showed a negative trend, with crypto mining company Riot Platforms (RIOT) dropping 4.85%, Mara Holdings (MARA) falling by 1.76%, Terawulf Inc (WULF) seeing a decrease of 6.88%, and CleanSpark (CLSK) dipping 7.67%, according to Google Finance data.
Meanwhile, Bitcoin continued to show strong performance, defying the dip in crypto stocks. The leading digital asset surged by 3.45%, trading at $105,770, just below its recent all-time high of $108,659.
Crypto stocks face setback amid uncertainty
Despite Trump’s return to the White House and a new focus on public safety, energy, and reform, crypto advocates were disappointed by the lack of mention of crypto in his inaugural address. Investors were hopeful that Trump would act on his pro-crypto campaign promises, including the establishment of a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve. However, Trump’s decision to grant a pardon to Silk Road founder Ross Ulbricht, albeit delayed, gave some crypto enthusiasts renewed hope.
While crypto stocks took a hit, the broader market showed some improvement. The S&P 500 rose by 0.88%, signaling optimism for traditional stocks, even as the crypto sector faced challenges. The US Dollar Index also saw a decline of 1.27%, suggesting further volatility in global markets.
Conclusion
The lack of immediate action from the new administration has left investors in limbo. However, with the growing anticipation surrounding Trump’s promises and the continued bullish sentiment in Bitcoin and other digital assets, the landscape for crypto stocks and the market as a whole may shift as more regulatory clarity emerges. Investors remain hopeful that the new administration will soon take action to fulfill its promises, which could positively impact the sector.
FAQs
Why did US crypto stocks drop on Jan. 21?
US crypto stocks dropped as investors awaited President Trump’s actions on his pro-crypto campaign promises, which did not materialize on his first day in office.
What is the current status of Bitcoin’s price?
As of Jan. 21, Bitcoin is trading at $105,770, showing a 3.45% increase in the last 24 hours.
Will President Trump fulfill his crypto promises?
While Trump’s crypto promises, including the creation of a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, were not addressed on his first day in office, there is still hope among crypto advocates following his pardon of Ross Ulbricht. Investors remain optimistic that he will take action soon.
How did the broader stock market perform on Jan. 21?
While crypto stocks closed down, the broader market saw a slight uptick, with the S&P 500 rising by 0.88%.

I am Toby Rothschild, Co-Founder of Spearmint and author at Coinography, and a strategist focused on advancing Web3 innovation, digital ecosystems, and the future of decentralized technology. I combine product thinking, creative leadership, and deep interest in emerging trends to help shape how individuals and organizations interact with the next generation of digital systems.
My work centers on understanding how blockchain, AI, and digital identity are reshaping global industries. At Spearmint, I help lead the direction of initiatives that bring clarity, structure, and meaningful user experiences to complex technological environments. I focus on bridging vision with execution, ensuring that innovation remains practical, scalable, and aligned with long-term growth.
As an author at Coinography, I create insights that translate fast-moving Web3 developments into clear, useful narratives. I explore topics such as decentralized governance, digital identity, creator economies, token models, protocol design, and the shifting cultural patterns around emerging technology. My aim is to make digital transformation more understandable and approachable for a wider audience.
I believe that Web3 is not only a technological shift but a cultural and creative one. Strong ideas, thoughtful communication, and human-centered design will shape which technologies thrive and how communities evolve around them. My writing and research reflect this belief, focusing on clarity, relevance, and long-term perspective.
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