Bitcoin Surpasses $91,000 Amid U.S. Involvement in Venezuela

Bitcoin rose above $91,000 on January 4, 2026, as geopolitical events in Venezuela contributed to increased risk appetite and market gains. Ether and other major cryptocurrencies also advanced, with Ethereum rising to nearly $3,150 and XRP surpassing $2 according to crypto reports. The move came after U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans to "run" Venezuela, citing the need for a secure transition of power according to financial analysis.

The U.S. military reportedly conducted a large-scale strike in Venezuela, capturing President Nicolás Maduro and his wife according to financial news. Trump emphasized the importance of Venezuela's oil industry, suggesting U.S. companies would invest in rebuilding the country's infrastructure according to reports. This has led to speculation about how the situation might affect global oil markets and regional stability according to analysis.

Venezuela's Supreme Court granted Vice President Delcy Rodríguez acting presidential powers after Maduro was taken into U.S. custody according to market reports. Trump's statements and the U.S. military action have generated uncertainty, but traders have responded with increased risk-taking behavior in crypto markets according to market analysis.

Why Did This Happen

The U.S. actions in Venezuela were driven by years of deteriorating relations between Washington and Caracas according to market analysis. Venezuela's government has been accused of authoritarianism, and U.S. sanctions have targeted its oil exports and government finances according to financial reports. Trump has previously suggested that sanctions alone were insufficient, and recent developments indicate a shift toward more direct intervention according to financial analysis.

The cryptocurrency market reacted swiftly to the geopolitical developments. Bitcoin climbed 1.4% in a single day, reaching $91,300 in Asian morning hours according to market data. Ether rose nearly 1% to $3,150, while XRP gained 0.6% and Solana advanced 1.6% according to crypto reports.

The total crypto market cap increased by 1% to $3.2 trillion as traders positioned themselves for potential volatility according to financial analysis. Liquidation of futures positions totaled $180 million, with $133 million coming from short positions and $47 million from longs according to market data. This imbalance suggests traders were caught off guard by the upward move, forcing buybacks and reinforcing the price rally.

What Analysts Are Watching

Analysts are monitoring how U.S. involvement in Venezuela might affect regional stability and global oil markets. Trump has emphasized the importance of Venezuela's oil, indicating that U.S. companies could invest in the sector according to reports. This has raised questions about the potential for increased geopolitical risk and its impact on crude prices according to analysis.

The cryptocurrency market is also watching for further political developments in Venezuela, particularly as the Supreme Court grants Rodríguez acting presidential powers according to market analysis. Traders are assessing whether the situation will lead to sustained risk-on sentiment or create additional uncertainty according to market data.

In the broader financial markets, gold prices have already surged significantly in recent months according to financial reports. However, the U.S. military action appears to have had limited immediate impact on major stock indices, which remain focused on longer-term trends according to market analysis.