Former U.S. President Donald Trump is once again putting pressure on the Federal Reserve, calling for a cut in interest rates — even as global regulators ramp up enforcement in the crypto sector. The dual developments highlight the increasingly intertwined nature of politics, finance, and digital assets heading into a critical election year.
Trump’s comments are part of a growing narrative that the Fed is stifling economic growth by keeping rates too high for too long. As inflation trends downward, he and other political figures are turning up the heat, accusing the central bank of slowing the economy ahead of the 2026 election cycle.
But the call for looser monetary policy comes at a time when the financial world is seeing tighter rules — especially in crypto.
Global Clampdown on Crypto and Finfluencers
While Trump targets rate policy at home, regulators worldwide are taking action on another front: crypto influencers and platforms. Financial watchdogs from the U.S., U.K., Australia, and other regions are intensifying their oversight of crypto promotions, trading platforms, and social media-based financial advice.
Major cases in recent months have seen influencers fined or banned for promoting unlicensed securities or misleading followers about crypto projects. The shift reflects growing concern over retail investor protection in a space that has often operated with limited oversight.
The simultaneous rise of political pressure on monetary policy and increased regulatory activity in crypto reveals the tension between economic control and innovation.
NEW: Trump goes after the Fed for lower rates as regulators crack down on crypto and finfluencers worldwide. pic.twitter.com/Y97O9vJ2ke
— Cointelegraph (@Cointelegraph) January 18, 2026
Why This Matters for Crypto
Trump has previously voiced skepticism about crypto, calling Bitcoin a “scam” while also suggesting the U.S. dollar must be protected. However, his latest focus on the Fed suggests he may be aligning his economic rhetoric with voter concerns about inflation and asset prices — including crypto.
Meanwhile, the regulatory heat on crypto and its influencers could have a chilling effect on Web3 marketing and adoption if not balanced carefully. As central banks and regulators move in opposite directions — one pushed to loosen policy, the other tightening control — crypto markets could face both opportunity and risk.
The coming months will show whether political pressure can influence rate decisions — and how far regulators will go in cleaning up the crypto space.