The Trump administration has intensified its confrontation with the Federal Reserve by supporting a criminal investigation into chair Jerome "Jay" Powell over a $2.5bn headquarters renovation, raising fears of political interference in U.S. monetary policy. Markets have so far remained stable as investors expect the Fed to resist demands for rapid rate cuts, while Republican lawmakers, global central bankers, and Wall Street figures rally in defence of the Fed's independence. The widening backlash is complicating Trump's plans to reshape the central bank as Powell's term as chair nears its end.

On January 17, 2026, President Donald Trump said he is considering an executive action to set a one‑year 10% ceiling on credit‑card interest, with a January 20 deadline. The plan is part of a broader affordability agenda focused on housing and 401(k) down payments, while major banks and trade groups warn the cap could tighten credit and disrupt unsecured lending.

On January 17, 2026, Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong said a Senate Banking market-structure draft could block stablecoin interest and weaken the CFTC. In a Fox Business interview, he alleged major banks seek to undermine Donald Trump's crypto agenda and added Coinbase cannot support the bill after a 48-hour review.

As weekend trading approaches, Bitcoin's recent ascent has stalled beneath its 100 and 200 EMAs, suggesting a possible fakeout within a broader corrective phase. Shiba Inu is challenging its 100-day EMA for the third time after a prolonged decline, while XRP continues to form a third local wave inside a downward channel with moving averages acting as resistance.

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed legislation on January 17 to place digital financial assets under banking oversight and require licensed crypto exchanges. The measure defines stablecoins, asset-backed tokens, and electronic financial instruments, aiming to strengthen investor protections and fintech growth. Prior permissions within the AIFC are broadened by these nationwide rules.

CoinGecko's annual report said crypto treasury firms were major buyers in 2025, deploying nearly $50 billion and lifting holdings from more than $56 billion to $134 billion by January 1, 2026. The market briefly neared $4.4 trillion before ending 2025 around $3.0 trillion after an October liquidation of about $19 billion, while treasuries held over 5% of Bitcoin and Ethereum.

Anchorage Digital plans to raise between $200 million and $400 million in 2025 as it prepares for a possible initial public offering the following year. The New York-based federally chartered crypto bank is also moving into U.S. dollar-backed stablecoins through a partnership with Tether while citing 2025 as a strong expansion year driven by acquisitions and new services.

On January 16, 2026, the Trump White House confirmed that 57.55 BTC forfeited by Samourai Wallet developers remains on the U.S. government balance sheet and has not been sold. Officials stated the Bitcoin is being held in the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve in line with Executive Order 14233, after on-chain movements to Coinbase had raised concerns about a possible violation. The report also notes ongoing tensions over crypto policy, including SDNY prosecutions and debates around the CLARITY Act's treatment of stablecoins and DeFi.