Dogecoin News Today: Dogecoin Campaign Pressures Merchants; Tesla, McDonald's in Spotlight

Dogecoin enthusiasts are taking to social media in a new campaign, encouraging users to tag businesses that refuse to accept the cryptocurrency as payment. The initiative, part of a broader effort to highlight merchant adoption of DOGE, has already drawn attention to major chains and brands. Tesla and McDonald's remain at the forefront of speculation, as the crypto community wonders if these companies will make it to the "Nice List" for crypto-friendly holiday shopping next year according to reports.

The campaign echoes previous moves to increase DOGE's utility, especially after the coin failed to reach its $1 price target in 2025 despite surging after the U.S. presidential election and the appointment of Elon Musk to the Department of Government Efficiency. While hype initially pushed the coin near $0.48, fading liquidity, inflationary supply dynamics, and weak real-world adoption derailed its momentum.

DOGE's price has since stabilized in the $0.10–$0.15 range, with on-chain data showing a falling wedge pattern and a potential breakout on the horizon. Investors are watching closely for any sign of renewed interest, particularly as the REX-Osprey Dogecoin ETF and Grayscale's Dogecoin Trust launched late in the year but attracted limited demand.

Risks to the Outlook

One major challenge for Dogecoin's adoption is its lack of real-world utility. While around 2,300 merchants globally accept DOGE, many are concentrated in niche online services, far behind traditional payment networks like Visa. Dogecoin's block time of one minute further limits its viability as a fast payment rail. These structural issues have kept the coin from gaining broader mainstream traction.

On the regulatory front, the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recently launched an investigation into Tesla's Model 3 emergency door release mechanism. The probe follows complaints that the mechanical door release is not intuitive during emergencies. This development could impact Tesla's reputation and raise questions about how crypto-friendly the company remains, especially if the investigation leads to recalls or design changes according to reports.

Tesla has already faced legal challenges related to its door designs after fatal crashes in 2024. These incidents involved passengers allegedly trapped in the vehicles due to electronic door system failures or design flaws. If the NHTSA investigation reveals significant safety issues, Tesla may face additional scrutiny, which could indirectly affect how crypto users perceive the company's commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction according to reports.

What This Means for Investors

For Dogecoin investors, the focus remains on whether the token can regain momentum in the coming months. Analysts are watching for signs of accumulation among whales and any potential regulatory or adoption developments. Despite a lack of fundamental utility, DOGE continues to trade with strong retail support, particularly among social media-driven hype cycles according to market analysis.

Meanwhile, broader market conditions remain mixed. Bitcoin and other major cryptos saw a slowdown in 2025, with crypto derivatives volume peaking at $86 trillion for the year. However, daily trading activity has fallen significantly, and liquidity pressures persist for altcoins like DOGE. The coming months may see increased volatility if macroeconomic conditions, such as U.S. tariff announcements, shift risk sentiment.

As the crypto market continues to evolve, Dogecoin remains a barometer for retail-driven sentiment. Whether it can break through $0.15 and show sustained strength will depend on a combination of technical momentum, on-chain activity, and broader adoption trends. For now, the DOGE community is watching Tesla, McDonald's, and other big names to see if they'll be on the list of "good" businesses next holiday season according to reports.