Trump-Affiliated World Liberty Financial Makes Another TRX Buy

World Liberty Financial Financial (WLFI), the crypto project backed by the family of U.S. President Donald Trump, has made another purchase of Tron’s TRX for its treasury on-chain data shows.

“As a strong advocate for blockchain technology and innovation in cryptocurrencies, I’m excited to see World Liberty Financial integrate TRON as a key part of its growing treasury. TRX’s inclusion as the fourth-largest asset in WLFI’s holdings highlights its trust in the Tron blockchain network,” Justin Sun, founder of Tron, said in a statement to CoinDesk.”

This most recent purchase was to the tune of $2.6 million and adds an additional 10.8 million TRX to the WLFI treasury. The total holdings of TRX now come in at $7.5 million.

“With WLFI leading efforts to bridge traditional finance and crypto and the Trump administration’s pro-crypto stance, the United States will become a major hub for innovation and cryptocurrency adoption,” Sun continued.

CoinDesk reported in mid-January that WFLI intended to purchase TRX and a Tron delegation attended Trump’s inauguration.

WFLI is also holding $182 million in ETH, $48 million in WBTC, $7.2 million in Tether’s USDT, $7 million in AAVE, and $6.7 million in Chainlink’s LINK according to on-chain data with most token buys coming in before the inauguration.

Sources close to the matter say WLFI will continue to increase their TRX holdings.

Solana (SOL) Ignites New Momentum: Bulls Target Higher Ground

Solana started a fresh increase above the $240 resistance. SOL price is back above $2500 and might aim for a fresh increase above the $262 zone.

  • SOL price started a fresh increase above the $240 and $250 levels against the US Dollar.
  • The price is now trading above $250 and the 100-hourly simple moving average.
  • There was a break above a key bearish trend line with resistance at $245 on the hourly chart of the SOL/USD pair (data source from Kraken).
  • The pair could start a fresh increase if the bulls clear the $262 zone.

Solana Price Reclaims $250

Solana price formed a base above $225 and started a decent upward move, like Bitcoin and Ethereum. SOL was able to climb above the $235 and $240 resistance levels.

There was a break above a key bearish trend line with resistance at $245 on the hourly chart of the SOL/USD pair. The pair even cleared the 50% Fib retracement level of the downward move from the $272 swing high to the $230 low.

Solana is now trading above $250 and the 100-hourly simple moving average. On the upside, the price is facing resistance near the $262 level or the 76.4% Fib retracement level of the downward move from the $272 swing high to the $230 low.

Solana Price

The next major resistance is near the $272 level. The main resistance could be $280. A successful close above the $280 resistance zone could set the pace for another steady increase. The next key resistance is $292. Any more gains might send the price toward the $300 level.

Another Decline in SOL?

If SOL fails to rise above the $262 resistance, it could start another decline. Initial support on the downside is near the $250 zone and the 100-hourly simple moving average.

The first major support is near the $240 level. A break below the $240 level might send the price toward the $230 zone. If there is a close below the $230 support, the price could decline toward the $215 support in the near term.

Technical Indicators

Hourly MACD – The MACD for SOL/USD is gaining pace in the bullish zone.

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

Major Support Levels – $250 and $240.

Major Resistance Levels – $262 and $272.

Solana Bull Bets Big on SOL Rallying to $400

A significant SOL options block trade crossed the tape on Deribit via the OTC network Paradigm late Monday, suggesting expectations for a price rally to $400 by the end of February.

The trade, structured as a bull call spread, involved a long position in the $280 call and a simultaneous short position in the $400 call, with 10,000 contracts for each leg and both legs set to expire on Feb. 28, according to block flows tracked by Amberdata. Block trades are large orders usually placed by institutions executed over-the-counter (OTC), outside the exchange’s order book.

A bull call spread achieves its maximum profit when the underlying asset’s price is at or above the short call’s strike price, which is $400 in this case. The buyer is betting that the spread will move past $280, reaching up to $400 with a breakeven around $300, according to Amberdata’s Director of Derivatives, Greg Magadini.

Importantly, the downside risk in a bull call spread is limited to the total premium paid to establish the strategy, protecting the trader from larger losses if the market declines. Currently, SOL is trading at $254 after hitting record highs above $290 over the weekend, as per CoinDesk data.

Bitcoin Eyes Further Gains as Ethereum Struggles With Declining Demand

Bitcoin recently achieved a new all-time high, climbing above $109,000 and continuing its strong upward momentum. This performance has further highlighted the disparity between Bitcoin and Ethereum’s price trajectories, with Ethereum underperforming in recent months.

While Bitcoin has captured attention for its resilience and gains, Ethereum faces challenges that have weighed on its progress. According to Percival, a CryptoQuant analyst, the new regulatory clarity provided by the pro-crypto administration in the US is contributing to Bitcoin’s strength.

In contrast, Ethereum’s internal difficulties, coupled with declining demand in the spot market, have created a challenging environment for the asset.

This divergence highlights how the two leading cryptocurrencies are currently moving along very different paths, with Bitcoin thriving and Ethereum struggling to maintain its footing.

Ethereum’s Decline and Market Sentiment

Percival pointed out that Ethereum’s struggles can be seen in several key metrics. Spot market transactions have dropped dramatically since the previous cycle, with current volumes at $8 billion compared to $52 billion during the bull market’s peak in early 2021.

Spot market transactions.

This represents a sharp reduction in demand, signaling that Ethereum’s current bull market participation is significantly diminished. Additionally, data shows that Ethereum has returned to levels seen in 2016, with a majority of trading days now classified as “unprofitable” when compared to Bitcoin.

Ethereum vs Bitcoin price.

These challenges, according to Percival, have prompted concerns that Ethereum may need to establish a “bottom” before it can regain stability. Without this stabilization, investor sentiment could become increasingly volatile, potentially leading to further price declines.

The analyst also suggests that until Ethereum can address its internal issues and rebuild confidence, its underperformance relative to Bitcoin is likely to persist.

Bitcoin Momentum And Market Structure

While Ethereum struggles, Bitcoin continues to benefit from favorable market conditions and positive sentiment. Percival notes that macroeconomic factors, along with increasing regulatory clarity, have positioned Bitcoin for continued growth.

The Choppiness Index, an indicator of market consolidation and trend readiness, currently signals that Bitcoin has built the necessary strength to sustain its upward trajectory.

Bitcoin (BTC) price chart on TradingView

The analyst believes that Bitcoin’s current market structure supports further gains in the coming days. Particularly, after a period of consolidation, Bitcoin appears poised to extend its rally, attracting more investor interest and reinforcing its position as the leading cryptocurrency.

As Ethereum grapples with its challenges, Bitcoin’s steady momentum highlights the stark contrast between the two assets’ market dynamics. However, it is worth noting that it’s not all gloom for Ethereum. According to a recent post from renowned crypto analyst Ali, Q1 might just be Ethereum’s year of sudden rebound.

Featured image created with DALL-E, Chart from TradingView

XRP Price Sets the Stage for More Gains: Bulls Hold the Momentum

XRP price started a fresh increase above the $3.150 level. The price is holding gains and might start another increase if it clears the $3.2250 resistance.

  • XRP price started a fresh increase from the $3.00 support zone.
  • The price is now trading above $3.120 and the 100-hourly Simple Moving Average.
  • There is a connecting bullish trend line forming with support at $3.10 on the hourly chart of the XRP/USD pair (data source from Kraken).
  • The pair might start a fresh increase if it stays above the $3.10 support.

XRP Price Aims Higher

XRP price managed to start a fresh increase from the $3.00 support zone, but upsides were limited compared to Bitcoin. The price was able to surpass the $3.050 and $3.120 resistance levels.

There was a clear move above the 50% Fib retracement level of the downward move from the $3.3625 swing high to the $3.00 low. Besides, there is a connecting bullish trend line forming with support at $3.10 on the hourly chart of the XRP/USD pair.

The price is now trading above $3.120 and the 100-hourly Simple Moving Average. On the upside, the price might face resistance near the $3.2250 level or the 61.8% Fib retracement level of the downward move from the $3.3625 swing high to the $3.00 low.

XRP Price

The first major resistance is near the $3.28 level. The next resistance is $3.350. A clear move above the $3.350 resistance might send the price toward the $3.450 resistance. Any more gains might send the price toward the $3.50 resistance or even $3.550 in the near term. The next major hurdle for the bulls might be $3.650 and a new all-time high.

Another Decline?

If XRP fails to clear the $3.2250 resistance zone, it could start another decline. Initial support on the downside is near the $3.10 level and the trend line. The next major support is near the $3.00 level.

If there is a downside break and a close below the $3.00 level, the price might continue to decline toward the $2.880 support. The next major support sits near the $2.750 zone.

Technical Indicators

Hourly MACD – The MACD for XRP/USD is now losing pace in the bullish zone.

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

Major Support Levels – $3.10 and $3.00.

Major Resistance Levels – $3.2250 and $3.350.

Mark Cuban’s Memecoin Idea: 20% Float With All Proceeds Going To The US Treasury

The recent launch of the TRUMP and MELANIA tokens, catalyzed by President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump, has ignited a mix of excitement and caution within the memecoin and broader cryptocurrency community. 

This frenzy has caught the attention of billionaire investor Mark Cuban, who is now contemplating the creation of his own memecoin, inspired by the recent memecoin movements.

Cuban’s Memecoin Vision: Combining Fun And Financial Responsibility? 

In a recent social media post, the renowned billionaire opened the door to the possibility of launching a new memecoin, stating, “If memecoins are the way, maybe I’ll issue one.” 

His announcement has stirred curiosity among crypto enthusiasts, particularly as he hinted that his memecoin would mirror the parameters of Trump’s TRUMP memecoin. 

Cuban plans to implement a 20% float and adhere to a similar release schedule, with one significant distinction: all potential revenue generated from the sale would be directed to the US Treasury. To enhance transparency, Cuban also indicated that the wallet address would be publicly accessible, allowing anyone to track the funds.

Cuban framed his initiative as a way to combine entertainment with a social purpose, noting, “If you want to gamble, gamble. But at least use it to make a dent in the US debt.” 

This statement reflects a growing sentiment among some investors that memecoins can serve a dual purpose—providing both amusement and potential benefits to broader societal issues. However, Cuban’s proposal has not been without its critics. 

Cuban Cites Dogecoin Success

In response to Cuban’s announcement, a user on X (formerly Twitter) cautioned him about the potential pitfalls of launching a memecoin, suggesting that he might be accused of exploiting information asymmetry at the coin’s launch. 

The user stressed that the supposed memecoin’s price would be dictated by supply and demand dynamics, starting from nearly zero, and warned Cuban not to proceed without careful consideration.

Cuban, undeterred by the criticism, defended his understanding of the memecoin landscape, stating, “It’s not hard to put it together. I never have thought about doing a meme coin. Wouldn’t be hard at all.” 

The back-and-forth dialogue continued, with the user asserting that creating a sustainable memecoin that benefits long-term holders is a challenging endeavor. 

He further argued that successful memecoins often emerge from community-driven initiatives rather than top-down launches, warning that hype surrounding a celebrity-backed launch could lead to short-term trading rather than fostering an organic community.

Cuban concluded the exchange by acknowledging the importance of community in the longevity of memecoins. He cited examples like Dogecoin  (DOGE) and Shiba Inu (SHIB), which have thrived due to their strong communities. 

“I’m not saying buyers won’t get rekt. I said it was gambling. It’s a game of musical chairs. No promises. No pumps by me. Just complete transparency,” he emphasized.

Memecoin

At the time of writing, the TRUMP memecoin is trading at $44,778, recording a 14% recovery in the past 24 hours after plunging over 50% from its $79 peak reached over the weekend. 

Featured image from CNBC, chart from TradingView.com 

Ethereum Price Poised for Lift-Off: Will an Upside Break Spark a Surge?

Ethereum price is struggling below the $3,500 resistance while Bitcoin gains. ETH is consolidating above $3,150 and might aim for an upside break.

  • Ethereum failed to gain pace for a close above $3,400 and $3,450.
  • The price is trading above $3,300 and the 100-hourly Simple Moving Average.
  • There is a key contracting triangle forming with resistance at $3,355 on the hourly chart of ETH/USD (data feed via Kraken).
  • The pair could start another increase if it clears the $3,400 resistance level.

Ethereum Price Aims Key Upside Break

Ethereum price started a decent upward move from the $3,200 level but upsides were limited compared to Bitcoin. ETH cleared the $3,250 resistance to move into a short-term bullish zone.

The bulls were able to push the price above the $3,300 resistance zone. Besides, there was a clear move above the 50% Fib retracement level of the downward move from the $3,445 swing high to the $3,203 low. However, the bears are still active below $3,400.

Ethereum price is now trading above $3,300 and the 100-hourly Simple Moving Average. On the upside, the price seems to be facing hurdles near the $3,350 level or the 61.8% Fib retracement level of the downward move from the $3,445 swing high to the $3,203 low.

There is also a key contracting triangle forming with resistance at $3,355 on the hourly chart of ETH/USD. The first major resistance is near the $3,400 level. The main resistance is now forming near $3,445.

Ethereum Price

A clear move above the $3,445 resistance might send the price toward the $3,550 resistance. An upside break above the $3,550 resistance might call for more gains in the coming sessions. In the stated case, Ether could rise toward the $3,650 resistance zone or even $3,720 in the near term.

Another Decline In ETH?

If Ethereum fails to clear the $3,400 resistance, it could start another decline. Initial support on the downside is near the $3,300 level. The first major support sits near the $3,250.

A clear move below the $3,250 support might push the price toward the $3,200 support. Any more losses might send the price toward the $3,120 support level in the near term. The next key support sits at $3,050.

Technical Indicators

Hourly MACDThe MACD for ETH/USD is losing momentum in the bullish zone.

Hourly RSIThe RSI for ETH/USD is now above the 50 zone.

Major Support Level – $3,200

Major Resistance Level – $3,400

Bitcoin Short-Term Holders Are Selling at a Loss: What This Means For BTC

Amid Bitcoin’s ongoing upward momentum in price, a key on-chain Bitcoin metric has been observed that offers clues about the market’s next direction.

This notable indicator known as the Short-Term Holder Spent Output Profit Ratio (STH SOPR) which reveals the behavior of Short-Term Holders (STHs) has shown that STHs have started to sell at a loss.

This metric compares 30-day STH SOPR to its 365-day counterpart and provides insight into whether short-term investors are realizing profits or losses.

Bitcoin Short-Term Holders Realized Losses

To grasp what the Short-Term Holder’s current selling at a loss means for the market, it’s important to first understand its broader market implications. Darkfost, the CryptoQuant analyst behind the revelation of this data reveals that when STH SOPR turns negative, two scenarios often unfold “holding” and “capitulation”

The analyst mentioned that some STHs may hold their BTC, using their realized price as a potential support level, while others could capitulate, triggering further corrections. Historically, these periods of STH losses have marked attractive entry points for long-term investors.

However, he further emphasizes that confirming such signals requires examining additional metrics and assessing the overall market sentiment. In Darkfost words:

Historically, when this metric turns negative, it often highlights attractive entry points for the long term. However, it’s essential to confirm such signals by cross-referencing with other metrics and assessing the broader market sentiment.

Bitcoin Short-Term Holder Spent Output Profit Ratio (STH SOPR).

MVRV Ratio Highlights Potential Market Trends

Besides the STH realized losses suggesting potential attractive entry points for long-term investors, Bitcoin’s Market Value to Realized Value (MVRV) ratio has also indicated an interesting trend incoming for Bitcoin.

Another CryptoQuant analyst known as Tugbachain recently shared in a post on the CryptoQuant QuickTake platform that currently, the MVRV ratio stands at 2.4, and it is approaching a key support level.

Bitcoin Market Value to Realized Value ratio.

If it breaks below this support and then reverses its downtrend, it could climb back into the 4-6 range historically associated with Bitcoin peaks, the analyst reveals.

For context, the MVRV ratio is an indicator that measures whether a cryptocurrency is overvalued or undervalued by comparing its market capitalization to the value at which it was last moved.

According to Tugbachain, over multiple halving cycles, the MVRV ratio has proven to be a reliable tool for identifying market tops and bottoms, as well as shorter-term fluctuations adding credibility to the latest indication.

Bitcoin (BTC) price chart on TradingView

Featured image created with DALL-E, Chart from TradingView

Bitcoin Price Eyes New Heights: Will It Smash Another ATH?

Bitcoin price started a fresh increase above the $104,000 zone. BTC is consolidating above $105,000 and might aim for a new all-time high.

  • Bitcoin started a decent increase above the $102,500 resistance zone.
  • The price is trading above $104,500 and the 100 hourly Simple moving average.
  • There was a break above a connecting bearish trend line with resistance at $104,000 on the hourly chart of the BTC/USD pair (data feed from Kraken).
  • The pair could start another increase if it stays above the $103,500 support zone.

Bitcoin Price Regains Traction

Bitcoin price started a decent upward move above the $102,500 zone. BTC was able to climb above the $103,500 and $104,000 levels.

The bulls even pushed the price above the $105,000 level. Besides, there was a break above a connecting bearish trend line with resistance at $104,000 on the hourly chart of the BTC/USD pair. The pair surpassed the 50% Fib retracement level of the downward move from the $109,112 swing high to the $100,114 low.

Bitcoin price is now trading above $104,500 and the 100 hourly Simple moving average. On the upside, immediate resistance is near the $107,000 level. It is close to the 76.4% Fib retracement level of the downward move from the $109,112 swing high to the $100,114 low.

The first key resistance is near the $107,500 level. A clear move above the $107,500 resistance might send the price higher. The next key resistance could be $109,000.

Bitcoin Price

A close above the $109,000 resistance might send the price further higher. In the stated case, the price could rise and test the $110,000 resistance level and a new all-time high. Any more gains might send the price toward the $112,500 level.

Downside Correction In BTC?

If Bitcoin fails to rise above the $107,000 resistance zone, it could start a downside correction. Immediate support on the downside is near the $104,500 level. The first major support is near the $103,500 level.

The next support is now near the $102,800 zone. Any more losses might send the price toward the $100,500 support in the near term.

Technical indicators:

Hourly MACD – The MACD is now gaining pace in the bullish zone.

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

Major Support Levels – $104,500, followed by $103,500.

Major Resistance Levels – $107,000 and $108,500.

Ethereum Appears ‘Bottomed Out,’ Analyst Predicts A Rally Is Near

Ethereum (ETH) appears to have ‘bottomed out,’ according to crypto analyst Mister Crypto. The analyst shared this observation as investor confidence in ETH continues to wane due to the digital asset’s relatively lackluster price performance in 2024.

Is Ethereum Due For A Rally?

Unlike Bitcoin (BTC) and Solana (SOL), which have surged in the past year by 146% and 154%, respectively, Ethereum has risen a modest 32% over the same period. As a result, ETH holders are understandably frustrated with the digital asset’s price action, with some whales liquidating their holdings at losses of up to $1 million.

However, some analysts now believe it may finally be time for Ethereum to break out of its stagnation. Crypto trader Mister Crypto shared the following ETH/BTC monthly chart on X, showing ETH’s price bouncing off a long-standing trendline before entering a parabolic run.

mister crypto

This analysis aligns with a recent report highlighting ETH’s four-year low of 0.031 against BTC on the weekly chart. A potential rebound from this multi-year support level could position ETH to outperform BTC in the short term.

Crypto analyst Merlijn The Trader also identified a bullish falling wedge pattern forming on Ethereum’s 2-day chart. According to Merlijn, a breakout to the upside could make Ethereum’s next move “legendary.”

ETH

For the uninitiated, a bullish falling wedge is a technical chart pattern that forms when an asset’s price consolidates between two downward-sloping, converging trendlines. It typically signals a potential trend reversal or continuation, with a breakout to the upside expected once the price moves above the upper trendline.

In Ethereum’s case, its price must decisively break through the $3,400 level to confirm the bullish falling wedge pattern. Failure to do so could result in ETH falling to the next major support levels at $3,000 and potentially $2,400.

Finally, seasoned crypto market commentator Poseidon offered a more macro perspective on ETH’s price action. The analyst noted that Ethereum has been trading within a range for the past four years. A breakout above the critical $4,000 resistance level could propel ETH beyond $10,000, based on Fibonacci price extensions.

ethereum

2025: The Year Of Altseason?

A full-blown altseason typically requires ETH to lead the market. Thus, a strong 2025 for Ethereum could significantly increase the likelihood of the eagerly anticipated altseason. Fortunately, many investors are optimistic about ETH’s prospects this year.

In December 2024, analysts at brokerage firm Bernstein remarked that ETH’s risk-reward ratio has become increasingly attractive. Similarly, Steno Research predicted that ETH could outperform BTC in Q1 2025, with a price target as high as $8,000.

However, the $4,000 resistance level remains ETH’s Achilles’ heel. At the time of writing, ETH is trading at $3,280, down 2.1% in the past 24 hours.

ethereum

The Ethereum Foundation Has Lost Its Way

The Ethereum Foundation is a paradox. Despite its commitment to decentralization, it operates as a centralized entity, with a director, a treasury, paid developers, and an inner circle. These structures, while necessary for coordination, create tensions with Ethereum’s decentralized ethos.

The Foundation Today

It is not widely known, but the current foundation was constructed in a less than ideal way. The previous director, Ming, was ousted in a coordinated effort by a group of people who have never been publicly identified or held accountable for it. I spoke with Ming days before her removal and she assured me she had no intent of leaving. I was later given information about who was responsible for her removal, but was not given much insight as to why. I have heard that Ming was a bit of a micromanager, and that she had an intensity that rubbed some people the wrong way. I’m sure there’s truth to that, but these stories are often window dressing for deeper truths.

I can infer some good-faith reasons based on the way the org has been run over the past seven years. A very important role of the organization is to protect against internal power struggles as well as external capture. These are noble goals and ones they seem to have accomplished effectively.

Another major focus seems to have been minimizing the public footprint of the organization and constructing it in such a way that it would not draw the ire of governments who might hold them accountable if the political winds shifted against them. But as political winds shift, and the marketplace provides alternatives, the organization itself must adapt, both in form and function.

Ethereum was in its birth a visionary project, not simply technological in nature. It pointed towards a possibility of previously unimaginable futures through the empowerment of the individual to do what had previously taken billions of dollars, thousands of people, or millions of man hours to accomplish.

The Ethereum Foundation, in its current incarnation, designed to minimize threats both internal and external, has lost that vision.

Lead with Vision

Ethereum’s next phase demands more than just technical research and coordinating conferences. It requires visionary leadership — someone who understands not just the technology but its broader social, philosophical, and political implications. This leader must inspire a new generation of builders, connect technology with human needs, and navigate the complexities of the political landscape without compromising Ethereum’s ethos.

Read more: Sam Kessler – Ethereum’s Vitalik Buterin Goes On Offense Amid Major Leadership Shake-up

The Ethereum whitepaper was not just a technical document; it was a beacon that allowed like-minded people to come together under a shared vision. In the face of chaos, uncertainty, and frequent conflicts, it served as a guiding light. What ensured our collective success was not the absence of challenges but the clarity of the mountaintop we were striving toward. This common vision allowed us to stay aligned even when disagreements and setbacks arose.

It was an idea whose time had come—a blueprint that transcended the individuals behind it and inspired a community to persevere, innovate, and ultimately bring that vision to life. Without it, the project could have easily unraveled under the weight of its ambition.

Be Transparent, Focus More on the Community

Transparency is equally critical. Over the past few years, the Foundation has retreated into the shadows, leaving the community feeling disconnected. But ethereum would have been nothing without its community, and it will be nothing if it loses it. A community must be managed, curated, and cared for. It requires the onboarding of new people, with new energy, and new ideas, bound by a common vision. This also includes the teams who build on ethereum.

Seize the Moment

From a legal perspective, Ethereum must embrace the opportunity to engage with lawmakers. The current American political climate is uniquely favorable, and inaction now risks losing momentum. America has elected a President who not only owns ether, but has himself launched a lending protocol on top of it. As of now, we are inhabiting a political landscape which was unthinkable even a year ago, when Democrats surprised so many of us by openly declaring war on crypto, and the future seemed uncertain. There has never been a better time than now to ensure that the promise of crypto is realized.

While maintaining political neutrality, the Foundation can create or promote frameworks that encourage compliance and innovation. Without these frameworks, the crypto space has been plagued by speculative ventures—ICOs, DAOs, NFTs—that skirt regulations rather than working within them to build sustainable use cases.

Lead by Example

The Ethereum Foundation should also consider utilizing its own technology to coordinate its operations and demonstrate the transformative potential of decentralized systems. By adopting Ethereum-based tools and protocols, the Foundation could potentially manage governance, treasury disbursements, decision-making processes, and community engagement.

This approach would not only demonstrate Ethereum’s capabilities but also reinforce trust within the community by embodying the principles of decentralization and transparency that the project champions. Additionally, leveraging Ethereum’s ecosystem for coordination could serve as a real-world case study, inspiring developers and organizations to explore similar solutions. By integrating its technology into its own operations, the Foundation would highlight the real-world utility of the platform while setting a precedent for how decentralized systems can effectively manage complex organizations.

Be Accountable, Build the Future

Finally, financial accountability must become a priority.

With $100 million spent annually, the Foundation should deliver measurable outcomes. Despite significant investment in technical research, user experience in crypto remains stagnant. Improving UX, UI, key management, and other security and usability problems isn’t insurmountable but has been severely neglected. This oversight reflects a blind spot which must be addressed before wider adoption is possible.

Ethereum began as more than just a technological project—it was a visionary movement for empowering individuals to achieve what once required massive resources. That vision is at risk of being lost. To reignite it, the Foundation must embrace transparency, invest in leadership, engage the community, and step into the legal and political spotlight.

Ethereum’s story is one of triumph over chaos, and a testament to the power of collective vision. To ensure its future, the Ethereum Foundation must transform itself from a reactive institution into a proactive visionary force. For ethereum. For the community. For the greater good. For the future.

With Love,

Texture

Brains Not Working? Ethereum Foundation Under Fire For Repeated ETH Sell-Offs

Ethereum is off to a rocky start this 2025, and its vibrant dev community isn’t happy. According to reports, the Ethereum Foundation has recently moved a substantial amount of Ether. The foundation’s transactions to move and sell its tokens became messier when one of its employees attempted to explain the situation, generating a lot of backlash.

Ethereum’s recent transactions have occurred since Bitcoin and other top tokens have been ripping through the charts. Price-wise, Ethereum is trading between $3,200 and $3,384, which is too far from 2021’s high of $4,870.

What’s Up, Ethereum Foundation?

The Ethereum Foundation, the primary organization supporting the development of the blockchain, is not helping the cause. Regardless of its intention or the overriding objectives for unloading massive ETH tranches, these moves still leave a bad taste in the mouths of most holders and supporters.

According to a recent post by Spot On Chain on Twitter/X, the foundation has recently moved another 100 ETH in exchange for 336,475 DAI. According to the account, the foundation sold 200 ETH tokens for $67k in the first few days of 2025 at an average cost of $3,361. The account added that ETH is 31% below its 2021 high of $4,878, while Bitcoin continues to retest its highs and currently breached the $109k level.

Ether Supporter’s Comments Draw Negative Feedback

The foundation’s latest transaction, the sale of 100 tokens, came after Josh Stark’s comments came to light. Stark, a popular ETH supporter, defended the foundation’s decision to sell these ETH tokens, arguing that they’re still actively using the blockchain’s native token.

In a Twitter/X posting, Stark explained that the foundation uses its tokens every time. These tokens buy stablecoins, pay their people in stablecoins, and support the blockchain’s events.

Stark’s comments didn’t sit well with some crypto observers and commentators. Twitter/X user WazzCrypto hit Stark for using ETH “dump” as an explanation to support the foundation’s transactions. User @VelvetMilkman was disappointed with Stark, arguing that it’s a lame excuse for using the altcoins.

Meanwhile, X user Trading_Axe has a more scathing, and no holds barred take on the issue:

Buterin Sets The Record Straight For ETH

Many critics say Ethereum is losing ground against other blockchains, particularly Solana. As such, many recommend that Ethereum stake its tokens instead of selling them to generate yields. The increasing number of comments and criticisms against the foundation has caught the attention of Vitalik Buterin, Ethereum’s co-founder.

Buterin said the team has also explored many options, including staking their tokens. However, regulatory issues and potential problems with the hard fork prevented them from doing so. Although there’s a friendly regulatory environment right now, the risks associated with staking remain high.

Featured image from ETF Stream, chart from TradingView

Silk Road Founder Ross Ulbricht Pardoned by President Trump

President Trump has followed through on one of his key campaign promises — at least for those in the crypto community — pardoning the sentence of Silk Road founder Ross Ulbricht.

“I just called the mother of Ross William Ulbricht to let her know that in honor of her and the Libertarian Movement, which supported me so strongly, it was my pleasure to have just signed a full and unconditional pardon of her son, Ross,” Trump wrote on a Truth Social post.

The move assures an imminent release for Ulbricht, who in 2015 was convicted of engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise and distributing narcotics, along with a host of related crimes, via his operation of the darknet Silk Road marketplace. He was sentenced to life in prison without possibility of parole.

Ulbricht’s case has become a cause célèbre for many in the crypto community who note he did not himself sell drugs or other illegal items, but instead operated a platform where others were allowed to transact.

Then candidate Trump promised a “Day One” commutation of Ulbricht’s sentence last May, while addressing the Libertarian Party convention

The price of bitcoin (BTC) rose in the minutes following the news, possibly as the pardon, along with a flurry of executive orders over the past hours, signals the president’s intention to follow through on campaign promises.

Another one of those promises was a far friendlier crypto regulatory stance, including the possibility of the creation of a strategic bitcoin reserve.

World Liberty Financial Raises $1B: Trump-Backed Crypto Venture To Extend Token Sales

The Financial Times reported on Monday that World Liberty Financial (WLF), the digital asset venture associated with President Donald Trump, has successfully raised $1 billion through its token sales. 

Initially launched in October with a goal of selling only 20 billion WLF tokens, the decentralized finance’s (DeFi) venture token surpassed this target by selling 21 billion tokens, demonstrating robust demand despite a rocky start.

Eric Trump Champions World Liberty Financial At ‘High-Profile Event’

Per the report, this surge in interest comes as WLF announces the release of an additional 5 billion tokens from its total supply of 100 billion, citing “massive demand and overwhelming interest.” 

The Trump family’s foray into the cryptocurrency space has been marked by a blend of enthusiasm and controversy. Over the weekend, both Donald Trump and his wife, Melania, launched their own memecoins, which experienced rapid spikes in value. 

Eric Trump, actively promoting World Liberty Financial, also attended a “high-profile crypto event” in Washington, celebrating the intersection of politics and digital assets as his father prepares for a new administration.

Trump’s embrace of the crypto sector during his election campaign has resonated with industry executives, many of whom anticipate a more favorable regulatory environment compared to the policies of the outgoing Biden administration. 

The appointment of crypto-friendly figures, such as Paul Atkins to lead the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and David Sacks as the newly created artificial intelligence (AI) and Crypto Czar, further underscores this potential shift. However, the venture has not been without its critics. 

Trump’s Memecoins Spark Controversy

Concerns arise over the limited rights associated with WLF tokens, which provide holders with only minimal voting rights and no economic entitlements. Furthermore, the tokens cannot be traded or sold back to WLF, leading to questions about their long-term value and utility.

Compounding the intrigue surrounding WLF, notable crypto entrepreneur and TRON blockchain founder Justin Sun recently revealed a significant investment of $45 million into the venture, raising his total stake to $75 million. 

The market’s reaction has been volatile, exemplified by Bitcoin’s brief spike to a record high of over $109,000 on Monday, followed by a retraction toward $102,000 after Trump’s inauguration speech. 

Analysts now speculate that upcoming executive orders from Trump could bolster the crypto industry’s fortunes in the US, although skepticism lingers among some industry veterans. 

Nic Carter, a venture capitalist, articulated concerns about the “ethical implications” of a sitting president engaging in business ventures that could be perceived as “conflicts of interest.”

The launch of Trump’s memecoins has also stirred controversy, with the Donald Trump memecoin experiencing a sharp decline from a weekend high of $75 to $52. 

Meanwhile, the Melania Trump memecoin, which disrupted the market dynamics of the Donald coin, saw its value fluctuate significantly from a high of $13.64 to $8.43.

Bernstein analysts have noted that this “chaotic crypto era” marks a critical juncture, suggesting that government engagement with cryptocurrencies may redefine the relationship between leadership and emerging technologies. 

The analysts assert that the launch of Trump and Melania’s memecoins signifies a potential regulatory shift in the country, where digital assets could serve as a direct connection to a mass audience.

World Liberty Financial

Featured image from DALL-E, chart from TradingView.com