Bitcoin Plunges as Trump Imposes 15% Global Tariff

Crypto markets fall 4% as Fed liquidity injection, economic data, and regulatory deadline loom this week

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Bitcoin dropped below $65,000 on Monday, erasing weekend gains as crypto markets fell 4% overall. The sell-off was triggered in part by a new 15% global tariff imposed by President Trump after the Supreme Court ruled his previous tariffs exceeded his authority. Altcoins like Solana, Cardano, Hyperliquid, and Chainlink saw even bigger percentage drops than Bitcoin. Key economic data, an Nvidia earnings report, and a regulatory deadline for the CLARITY Act crypto bill are also set to impact crypto markets this week.

Why it matters

The crypto market's reaction to Trump's tariffs and other economic factors highlights the volatility and sensitivity of digital assets to macroeconomic conditions and policy changes. As the crypto industry matures, navigating these external forces will be crucial for its long-term stability and growth.

The details

Bitcoin dropped from around $67,600 to just below $65,000 on Monday, wiping out weekend gains. The broader crypto market capitalization fell 4% to around $2.31 trillion, with altcoins like Solana, Cardano, Hyperliquid, and Chainlink seeing even bigger percentage drops than Bitcoin. The sell-off was triggered in part by President Trump imposing a new 15% global tariff after the Supreme Court ruled his previous tariffs exceeded his authority. Geopolitical tensions, including elevated US-Iran relations, also added to the market pressure. Key economic data points this week include February Consumer Confidence on Tuesday, initial jobless claims on Thursday, and the January Producer Price Index on Friday. Wednesday's Nvidia earnings report could also impact the broader AI and tech sectors, potentially spilling over into crypto. The Federal Reserve is also set to inject roughly $14.6 billion into financial markets this week, which some analysts see as a short-term boost for risk assets like Bitcoin, though others caution it is not the same as full quantitative easing. On the regulatory front, the White House has set a March 1 deadline for negotiators to resolve a key sticking point in the CLARITY Act, the federal crypto market structure bill.

  • On Monday, Bitcoin fell from $67,600 to just below $65,000.
  • On Tuesday, February's Consumer Confidence data will be released.
  • On Wednesday, Nvidia will report its earnings.
  • On Thursday, initial jobless claims data will be published.
  • On Friday, the January Producer Price Index will be released.

The players

Donald Trump

The President of the United States who imposed a new 15% global tariff after the Supreme Court ruled his previous tariffs exceeded his authority.

Nvidia

A technology company that designs graphics processing units (GPUs) and is set to report earnings on Wednesday, which could impact the broader AI and tech sectors, including crypto.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“NEXT WEEK'S SCHEDULE IS INSANE! MONDAY → U.S. PCE DATA TUESDAY → FED LIQUIDITY INJECTION ($8B) WEDNESDAY → INITIAL JOBLESS CLAIMS THURSDAY → FED BALANCE SHEET FRIDAY → TRUMP ECONOMY ANNOUNCEMENT THE MOST VOLATILE WEEK OF 2026 STARTS TOMORROW!!”

— 0xNobler (Twitter)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.