'Everyone Thinks Trump Is Our Friend—He's Not': Mark Yusko Exposes Crypto Reality

Feb 16, 2026, 2:23 AM

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Mark Yusko, the CEO of Morgan Creek Capital, has raised alarms regarding President Trump’s perceived support for cryptocurrency, claiming that Trump is not genuinely an ally for the crypto community. In a recent interview with Altcoin Daily, Yusko stated, "Everyone thinks the president is our friend, meaning our collective friend in crypto. He's not. He has a whole different agenda." This statement reflects a growing concern among crypto advocates about the potential implications of Trump's policies on the digital asset landscape.

Yusko elaborated that Trump’s agenda is primarily focused on preserving US dollar dominance in the global financial system. He pointed out that key figures, including Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, are allegedly involved in efforts with firms like Cantor Fitzgerald and Tether to undertake clandestine initiatives aimed at countering the rise of the yuan as a possible world reserve currency.

The crypto community is particularly wary of legislative changes, with Yusko highlighting the dangers posed by the current version of the Clarity Act. He described it as a "non-starter" that paves the way for central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), which could lead to increased centralization and control over cryptocurrencies. Yusko commended Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong for opposing this bill, noting that Armstrong has faced significant backlash from Wall Street in his efforts.

In terms of market predictions, Yusko anticipates that Bitcoin's price will bottom out between $58,000 and $63,000 by late September. He explained that historical trends suggest Bitcoin has previously experienced significant price drops of 84% and 75% from peaks, indicating a volatile market ahead. Yusko's analysis also refers to a four-year cycle, which he believes remains intact, with Bitcoin expected to reach its next peak by October 2025.

Moreover, Yusko has discussed the manipulation of Bitcoin prices through commodity futures, claiming that institutions often buy Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) while simultaneously shorting futures to maintain a neutral stance in the market. This practice, he argues, is detrimental to Bitcoin's price stability and can lead to artificial suppressions. He remarked on past market behaviors, noting how JP Morgan paid substantial fines for spoofing in gold markets, raising concerns that similar tactics might be affecting Bitcoin futures now.

Yusko's predictions extend beyond the short term; he projects that Bitcoin could reach between $600,000 and $700,000 by September 2029. He bases this forecast on the assumption that Bitcoin could attain a market cap equivalent to gold, which would place its value significantly higher than current levels. In comparison, he identifies Ethereum as having favorable prospects despite its higher costs and slower transaction speeds, owing to a more developed infrastructure and greater developer engagement.

As the cryptocurrency market continues to fluctuate, with Bitcoin currently trading lower amid macroeconomic pressures, Yusko's insights highlight the complex interplay between politics and digital currencies. His warnings serve as a reminder that in the fast-evolving landscape of cryptocurrency, not all allies may have the community's best interests at heart.

In conclusion, as Yusko articulates the potential risks and opportunities within the crypto space, it becomes clear that the community must remain vigilant in navigating the political and economic currents that could shape its future. The ongoing developments could either bolster or undermine the progress made by cryptocurrencies, depending on the actions taken by policymakers and market participants alike.

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