BB DAILY 01-13-2025: Marc Andreessen’s Role in Trump’s Transition, Tether’s Move to El Salvador, MicroStrategy’s Bitcoin Milestone, and SEC Legal Challenges
A transformative shift in the tech and crypto sectors as Marc Andreessen aligns with Trump’s administration to influence tech policy, while Tether expands operations in El Salvador to strengthen Bitcoin adoption. MicroStrategy’s massive Bitcoin acquisition brings its total holdings to 450,000 BTC, and the SEC faces legal pressure to clarify its stance on crypto assets following a court ruling. These developments signal a major shift in both innovation and regulatory frameworks shaping the future of digital finance.
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Donald Trump
Tether
El Salvador
Because Bitcoin
January 13, 2025
News
Donald Trump
Tether
El Salvador
Marc Andreessen Joins Trump Transition Team to Shape Tech Policy Amid Silicon Valley’s Shift to D.C.
Venture capitalist Marc Andreessen, co-founder of Andreessen Horowitz, has forged a political alliance with President-elect Donald Trump, helping to recruit key figures for the incoming administration. Andreessen’s influence reflects a shift among Silicon Valley elites seeking to reverse Biden-era regulations on AI and cryptocurrency. This collaboration marks a significant alignment between the tech industry and the Trump administration, with Andreessen and others advocating for policies to promote innovation while reducing regulatory oversight.
Tether Relocates to El Salvador, Strengthening Bitcoin Adoption and Fintech Innovation
Tether is relocating its operations to El Salvador after securing a Digital Asset Service Provider (DASP) license, reinforcing its commitment to global Bitcoin adoption. El Salvador’s progressive regulatory framework and Bitcoin-centric economy offer an ideal environment for Tether to develop innovative financial solutions and expand its efforts in emerging markets. By aligning with El Salvador’s vision for financial freedom and innovation, Tether aims to drive financial inclusion and strengthen its position in the global fintech landscape.
MicroStrategy has expanded its Bitcoin holdings by acquiring an additional 2,530 BTC for approximately $243 million at an average price of $95,972 per Bitcoin. This purchase marks a significant step in the company’s ongoing Bitcoin acquisition strategy, bringing its total holdings to a milestone 450,000 BTC as of January 12, 2025.
MicroStrategy Hits 450,000 BTC Milestone with $243M Purchase and Strong Year-to-Date Bitcoin Yield
MicroStrategy’s total Bitcoin investment now stands at approximately $28.2 billion, with an average purchase price of $62,691 per Bitcoin. The company has also achieved a year-to-date Bitcoin yield of 0.32% in 2025, further solidifying its position as one of the largest institutional Bitcoin holders globally. This continued accumulation reflects the company’s unwavering commitment to Bitcoin as a long-term store of value and a strategic treasury asset.
Court Orders SEC to Clarify Crypto Oversight After Coinbase Challenge
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit has directed the SEC to explain its refusal to draft clear regulations on whether crypto assets are securities, partially siding with Coinbase’s request for regulatory clarity.
The court criticized the SEC’s actions as “arbitrary and capricious,” warning the agency to provide a substantive response rather than continuing its enforcement-heavy approach. Judge Stephanos Bibas cautioned the SEC against avoiding rulemaking and pursuing a “de facto ban” on crypto.
This ruling, following other recent setbacks for the SEC, comes as Chair Gary Gensler prepares to step down, with new leadership under President-elect Donald Trump potentially shifting the agency’s crypto policy. Coinbase’s Chief Legal Officer, Paul Grewal, welcomed the decision as a step toward resolving long-standing regulatory uncertainty.
