Bitcoin & Ethereum Dip After Trump Iran Speech | Crypto News

Bitcoin and ethereum experienced a downturn following a prime-time address by former President Donald Trump on Thursday, April 2, 2026, regarding escalating tensions in Iran. The speech, characterized by mixed messages, triggered a surge in oil prices and a subsequent sell-off in the cryptocurrency market, according to multiple reports.

Oil prices jumped above $103 a barrel in the wake of Trump’s remarks, fueling inflation fears and putting pressure on risk assets like cryptocurrencies. Bitcoin, the leading cryptocurrency, dipped in value, while Ethereum also lost ground. The extent of the declines varied across exchanges, but the overall trend reflected investor concern over potential geopolitical instability.

Bitcoin Price Fluctuations

According to CoinPedia, the cryptocurrency sell-off was directly triggered by Trump’s speech. While specific price points at the moment of the speech weren’t immediately available, reports indicate a clear negative correlation between the address and crypto market performance. Stocktwits reported earlier on Thursday that Bitcoin had reclaimed $68,000, but that gain was erased following Trump’s address.

Cointelegraph’s market update noted bearish trading patterns in Bitcoin data, suggesting potential for further price declines if the $60,000 support level fails to hold. Bulls are hoping for a rally to $76,000, but the geopolitical uncertainty introduced by Trump’s speech complicates that outlook. The outlet also reported that stablecoins dominated crypto trading in the first quarter of 2026 as investors sought safer assets.

Trump’s Address and Market Reaction

TheStreet.com reported that a mysterious trader had purchased $53 million worth of assets ahead of Trump’s 9 PM address on Iran, suggesting anticipation of market volatility. This large purchase indicates that at least one market participant foresaw a significant reaction to the speech. Separately, TheStreet also reported that an oil trader lost $17 million following Trump’s speech.

The former president’s comments on the Iran conflict raised concerns about a potential escalation of hostilities in the Middle East. This, in turn, led to increased risk aversion among investors, prompting a flight to safety in assets like oil and, to a lesser extent, stablecoins within the crypto space. Warren Buffett’s recent $17 billion investment in US T-bills, as noted by Cointelegraph, may also be a contributing factor to the pressure on Bitcoin, as investors seek less risky investments.

Ethereum’s Performance

While Bitcoin experienced a decline, Stocktwits reported that Ethereum actually outpaced Bitcoin’s gains *prior* to Trump’s speech. However, this outperformance was not sustained following the address, and Ethereum also fell in value alongside Bitcoin. The broader crypto market, reacted negatively to the increased geopolitical uncertainty.

Broader Market Context

The crypto market’s reaction to Trump’s speech occurred against a backdrop of broader economic concerns. Cointelegraph highlighted a weakening US economy, private credit stress, and the ongoing war in Iran as factors diminishing Bitcoin’s odds for a rally to $75,000. Institutional Bitcoin holders selling in the open market also contributed to the negative sentiment.

Cointelegraph reported on a significant $80 million bet on a market crash made by a Hyperliquid whale, raising questions about the stability of the crypto market. The x402 protocol, a new AI protocol, is being developed under the Linux Foundation, aiming for a neutral and non-profit structure, according to Cointelegraph.

The situation remains fluid, and the long-term impact of Trump’s speech on the cryptocurrency market remains to be seen. Investors are closely monitoring developments in the Middle East and assessing the potential for further escalation, which could continue to weigh on risk assets.