Bitcoin Soars Past $116,000 After Trump Opens Pensions to Crypto

Trump has settled the regulation question. Now, he tackles what he prefers: investments. And not just any. By opening 401(k) plans to alternative assets like bitcoin, he shakes Wall Street and courts the crypto community. In a country where pensions weigh over $12 trillion, this decision says a lot about his economic vision. And above all, it places bitcoin back at the heart of American political play.

The 401(k) weapon: Trump redefines the rules of the financial game

Thursday, August 7, 2025, just weeks after the Genius Act, Donald Trump signed a presidential decree that could transform American finance. By allowing the inclusion of crypto, real estate, and private equity in 401(k) retirement plans, he changes the game for 60 million Americans concerned. The Department of Labor will now have to revise its guidelines to clarify fiduciary responsibilities related to these investments.

This move clearly targets the financial electorate: alternative assets until now represented a prohibited field for 401(k) accounts. In 2020, an opening was hinted at during Trump’s first presidency, then confirmed under Biden. But this time, the signal is strong: savers must have more freedom in their investments.

Bitcoin in pensions: a dream long judged too risky

With this decree, bitcoin enters the holy of holies of American finance. The market immediately reacted: within hours, the BTC price rose from $114,900 to $116,850. Over $30 billion changed hands. This peak is explained by the enthusiasm around a new influx of institutional capital, via 401(k)s.

In reality, the crypto industry has long hoped for this breakthrough. Until now, reluctance was widespread: lack of transparency, high fees, volatility risks. But the push of new financial products – bitcoin bonds, specialized preferred shares – shows the lines are moving. BlackRock, for example, will launch in early 2026 a 401(k) fund including 5 to 20% private assets.

This market transformation is also political. Allowing access to crypto in pensions sends a message of confidence. And also… to forget past regulations. Trump bets on finance to regain ground among young voters and investors frustrated by the caution of major institutions.

Crypto in 401(k)s: 5 key points to remember

To grasp the scale of this thunderclap, here are the key elements:

• $116,850: the new peak reached by bitcoin on August 7, 2025 after the presidential announcement;
• $12.5 trillion: the estimated funds held in 401(k) plans today;
• $30 billion: amount of bitcoin trading recorded within 24 hours following the news;
• 2026: planned launch by BlackRock of a 401(k) fund containing alternative assets such as cryptos;
• 200: number of listed companies currently holding bitcoin on their balance sheets, steadily increasing.

Trump’s strategy is simple: make bitcoin a long-term savings tool. The timing is no accident: the presidential campaign is intensifying, and crypto remains one of the most divisive topics. By including bitcoin in retirement plans, he puts a foot in a door long kept closed. And this could well permanently change the perception of crypto in the United States.

The president does not lack resources to shake things up and make bitcoin explode. Whether it’s a fiery tweet or a governor change at the Fed, anything can play. Some analysts say: if he returns to the White House, he will do everything to boost bitcoin upwards.