Bitcoin News Today: SEC Delays Trump-Linked, Grayscale Crypto ETFs as Ethereum Rises 12%

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has delayed decisions on two cryptocurrency spot ETF applications, including one linked to Donald Trump’s Truth Social platform. The agency postponed its review of the Trump-associated Bitcoin ETF alongside the Grayscale Solana Spot ETF, signaling continued regulatory scrutiny in the crypto space [1]. This development follows broader shifts in the sector, including the recent approval of the Bitwise 10 Crypto Index Fund as an ETF, which includes Bitcoin, Ethereum, and altcoins like XRP and Solana (SOL) [2].

Trump’s influence on crypto policy has intensified since his July 20 signing of the “Genius Act,” which requires stablecoins to be backed by U.S. Treasury bonds and prohibits central bank digital currencies (CBDCs). The legislation, paired with his advocacy for aggressive Federal Reserve rate cuts and threats to replace Chair Jerome Powell, has created policy uncertainty while reinforcing pro-crypto rhetoric [3]. Market participants are closely watching whether these actions could catalyze an “altcoin season,” as Ethereum spot ETFs have seen $1.846 billion in net inflows, and altcoins such as CFX, ENA, and PENGU have experienced price surges [4].

The SEC’s recent approval of the Bitwise ETF aligns with evolving regulatory stances. SEC Chair Paul Atkins, in a July 22 CNBC interview, stated that Ethereum should not be classified as a security, a position that could ease future approvals for non-Bitcoin assets [5]. However, the agency has faced criticism for delays in implementing in-kind redemption mechanisms for Bitcoin ETFs. Industry experts have called the 19-month holdup “ridiculous,” arguing that policy reforms could reduce operational costs by 40% [6].

Market dynamics reflect a tension between institutional adoption and regulatory caution. Bitcoin traded within a $115,000–$120,000 range this week, while Ethereum rose 12% amid rising staking demand and ETF inflows. The Fear and Greed Index at 71 indicates moderate optimism, though the RSI remains in “weakness” territory at 40.29 [7]. Analysts predict further altcoin gains if BTC and ETH maintain strength, with price targets of $125,000 for Bitcoin and $4,000 for Ethereum [8].

Trump’s regulatory agenda has also spurred increased lobbying in the crypto sector. Over 73 companies and associations spent $11.4 million on federal lobbying related to digital assets in recent months, underscoring the industry’s push to shape policy outcomes [9]. This aligns with Trump’s stated goals, including Brazil’s approval of a hybrid Bitcoin and gold ETF and Binance’s rebranding of the League of Kingdoms token to Arena-Z [10].

Investors remain cautious as cryptocurrency’s volatility, coupled with geopolitical risks and central bank policies, tests market resilience. The SEC’s handling of ETF applications and Trump’s unpredictable policy proposals will likely remain central to the sector’s trajectory in the coming months [11].

Source:

[1] [CoinMarketCap Article](https://coinmarketcap.com/community/articles/68879d45d834536705bade45/)

[2] [Binance Post](https://www.binance.com/square/post/27508839295938)

[3] [ChainCatcher Report](https://www.chaincatcher.com/en/article/2193691)

[4] [ChainCatcher Report](https://www.chaincatcher.com/en/article/2193691)

[5] [Fox Business Coverage](https://www.foxbusiness.com/category/cryptocurrency)

[6] [Coin Edition Analysis](https://coinedition.com/expert-slams-sec-delay-bitcoin-etf-in-kind-redemption/)

[7] [ChainCatcher Report](https://www.chaincatcher.com/en/article/2193691)

[8] [ChainCatcher Report](https://www.chaincatcher.com/en/article/2193691)

[9] [Mitrade Analysis](https://www.mitrade.com/insights/news/live-news/article-3-989837-20250727)

[10] [ChainCatcher Report](https://www.chaincatcher.com/en/article/2193691)

[11] [ChainCatcher Report](https://www.chaincatcher.com/en/article/2193691)