The recent debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump left more than just political watchers buzzing—it had a ripple effect on the crypto world. Though the presidential candidates barely touched on tech or finance, crypto traders were paying close attention. The lack of any crypto talk was disappointing for many, especially since Trump had previously pledged to make the U.S. the “crypto capital of the planet.” Meanwhile, the market didn’t sit still, and crypto prices reacted swiftly to the debate’s outcome.
Trump Takes a Hit, Bitcoin Dips
Bitcoin, often tied to Trump’s political stance on digital assets, saw an immediate dip after the debate. BTC dropped more than 2%, trading at around $56,330 as traders reacted to the political face-off. Many in the market see Trump as a pro-crypto candidate, especially after his recent pivot towards supporting digital assets. However, after Harris appeared to win the debate—at least in the eyes of betting markets—Bitcoin lost some of its shine, and the market reflected this change.
Trump Debate Fumbles Hit MAGA Coin
Trump-themed cryptos, like the popular MAGA coin, also felt the sting of the debate. MAGA (TRUMP) prices tanked over 10% soon after Polymarket data showed a 3% drop in Trump’s chances of winning the election. The MAGA coin has been on a wild ride, having surged earlier this year. However, it’s now down 80% from its all-time high, with the recent debate causing more selling pressure. This just shows how closely tied Trump’s political fortunes are with certain meme coins in the crypto space.
Trump’s Crypto Vision Ignored in Debate
Crypto enthusiasts hoped for a discussion about digital assets, especially since Trump has been more vocal on the issue compared to his opponents. However, the debate skipped any mention of Bitcoin or blockchain, leaving the crypto community disappointed. Trump has promised to end the “un-American crackdown” on crypto if re-elected, but Harris has yet to make her stance clear. Despite this, the debate’s outcome seemed to favor Harris, with betting markets showing her odds improving by 3%.
The debate ends with Trump and Harris tied.
55 days to go. pic.twitter.com/MGpsIl6It8
— Polymarket (@Polymarket) September 11, 2024
US Election Heats Up, and Crypto Bets Follow
With the 2024 U.S. presidential election drawing closer, crypto traders are placing their bets. Platforms like Polymarket have seen millions of dollars flow into election-related wagers, with the crypto world watching every debate closely. Despite Harris’ performance, the two candidates are effectively tied in the Polymarket contract for who will win the actual election, with Harris’ odds increasing slightly during the course of the debate. Trump and Harris have both sparked interest from crypto traders, but after this recent debate, the odds have shifted slightly. Harris may have taken the lead for now, but the election is far from over, and the crypto market will continue to react with every new development.