President-elect Donald Trump is discussing pro-crypto personnel appointments with Brian Armstrong, CEO of Coinbase. His social media firm, Trump Media, is also in talks to purchase Bakkt, a crypto exchange.

Bakkt’s stock price shot up dramatically since these talks, and Armstrong previously recommended that Trump appoint “Crypto Mom” Hester Peirce as the new SEC Chair.

Trump, Bakkt, and Armstrong

Trump Media, the President-elect’s social media and technology company, is currently in talks to purchase Bakkt, a crypto exchange. Bakkt’s prominence in the industry peaked years ago, and was subsequently described as a “marginal player in the space.” Earlier this year, it publicly considered sale or breakup options. Since this offer, however, its stock price has soared.

Although Donald Trump has been pursuing a comprehensive set of pro-crypto changes to US institutions, these actions fall under his political career. As a businessman and private citizen, his interest hasn’t extended to crypto investments since the lackluster presale of World Liberty Financial (WLFI). A Bakkt purchase could bring Trump fresh skin in the game.

However, the world of crypto exchanges is touching his policy outlook at the same time. Specifically, Coinbase CEO and Founder Brian Armstrong is also meeting with the President-elect today. Armstrong and Trump are reportedly discussing personnel appointments for the upcoming administration.

A clear industry insider, Armstrong has a vested interest in friendly policy outcomes for crypto. Throughout the election cycle, Coinbase spent tens of millions boosting pro-crypto candidates at multiple levels. Since Trump’s victory, Armstrong has made several supportive comments, praising Elon Musk’s D.O.G.E. and suggesting a new post-Gensler SEC Chair:

“Hester Peirce would be the best choice. Smart, fair, professional. Can work with both sides,” Armstrong claimed.

“Crypto Mom” Hester Peirce is one of the five sitting SEC Commissioners, and one of two appointed by Trump. Gensler’s impending ouster has sparked a flurry of prediction market speculation about who will succeed him. If Armstrong has not changed his opinion since originally recommending her, these talks could substantially increase Peirce’s chances.

Bitcoin price is consolidating gains near the $90,000 zone. BTC is showing positive signs and might soon aim for a fresh increase above $92,000.

• Bitcoin started a fresh increase above the $90,000 zone.
• The price is trading above $90,000 and the 100 hourly Simple moving average.
• There is a key bullish trend line forming with support at $89,600 on the hourly chart of the BTC/USD pair (data feed from Kraken).
• The pair could gain bullish momentum if it clears the $92,600 resistance zone.

Bitcoin Price Aims Another ATH

Bitcoin price started a short-term downside correction below the $90,000 level. BTC traded below the $88,000 level before it found support.

A low was formed at $86,621 and the price is now recovering higher. There was a move above the $90,000 level. A high was formed at $92,607 and the price is now consolidating. It is trading near the 23.6% Fib retracement level of the upward move from the $86,621 swing low to the $92,607 high.

Bitcoin price is now trading above $90,000 and the 100 hourly Simple moving average. There is also a key bullish trend line forming with support at $89,600 on the hourly chart of the BTC/USD pair. The trend line is close to the 50% Fib retracement level of the upward move from the $86,621 swing low to the $92,607 high.

On the upside, the price could face resistance near the $92,000 level. The first key resistance is near the $92,500 level. A clear move above the $92,500 resistance might send the price higher. The next key resistance could be $93,200.

A close above the $93,200 resistance might initiate more gains. In the stated case, the price could rise and test the $95,000 resistance level. Any more gains might send the price toward the $98,000 resistance level.

Another Drop In BTC?

If Bitcoin fails to rise above the $92,000 resistance zone, it could start a downside correction. Immediate support on the downside is near the $90,000 level.

The first major support is near the $89,650 level. The next support is now near the $88,000 zone. Any more losses might send the price toward the $86,500 support in the near term.

Technical indicators:

Hourly MACD – The MACD is now losing pace in the bearish zone.

Hourly RSI (Relative Strength Index) – The RSI for BTC/USD is now above the 50 level.

Major Support Levels – $89,650, followed by $88,000.

Major Resistance Levels – $92,000, and $92,500.