Bitcoin's Independence: Why Washington's Support Isn't Needed

As the U.S. election approaches, the cryptocurrency community is abuzz with speculation about how the outcome might impact Bitcoin's price trajectory. But what if Bitcoin doesn't need Washington's support to succeed? That's the perspective of Matt Hougan, CIO of Bitwise Asset Management, who believes that Bitcoin's long-term success is driven by its store-of-value narrative and growing institutional acceptance, not political factors.

It's kind of weird to say this, but Bitcoin doesn't really care who wins the election. Its value isn't tied to the whims of politicians or the policies they enact. Instead, Bitcoin's appeal lies in its scarcity, decentralization, and potential as a hedge against inflation. As Hougan puts it, "Bitcoin doesn't need politicians. It just needs them to get out of the way."


Now, that's not to say that political events can't influence Bitcoin's price in the short term. For instance, Jeff Park, head of alpha strategies at Bitwise, predicts that a Trump victory could push Bitcoin to $92,000, citing "merger arb-style probability math" based on Trump's odds on the decentralized betting platform Polymarket. But these political influences are more like temporary boosts or setbacks, not the driving force behind Bitcoin's long-term trajectory.

Anyway, let's set all these questions aside and focus on what really matters: Bitcoin's fundamentals. Hougan believes that Bitcoin's success is tied to its maturation as a store of value and growing demand for stable assets. As more institutional investors and everyday people recognize Bitcoin's potential, its price will continue to rise, regardless of who's in the White House.


But what about the Federal Reserve's monetary policy? Surely that must have some impact on Bitcoin's price, right? Well, yes and no. Bitcoin's popularity is rooted in a widespread distrust of government-controlled money, making it an attractive alternative during periods of loose monetary policy. However, Hougan warns that unexpected events, like major hacks or lawsuits, could disrupt Bitcoin's price movements and keep it range-bound.

In conclusion, while political events and central bank policies can influence Bitcoin's price in the short term, its long-term trajectory is primarily driven by market forces and technological developments. Bitcoin doesn't need Washington's support to succeed; it just needs the world to recognize its potential as a store of value and a hedge against inflation.

So, as the election approaches, let's not get too caught up in the political drama. Instead, let's focus on the real story: Bitcoin's continued growth and maturation as a legitimate asset class. Because, at the end of the day, Bitcoin doesn't care who's in charge; it's here to stay.