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In a whirlwind of anticipation and uncertainty, Bitcoin (BTC) smashed through the $86,000 barrier on April 2, 2025, as global markets braced for the seismic shockwaves of U.S. President Donald Trump’s long-teased “Liberation Day” tariff announcement. The cryptocurrency’s latest surge, clocking new April highs at the Wall Street open, comes amid a volatile dance with risk assets, as traders and analysts alike scramble to decode the potential fallout of sweeping new trade policies set to be unveiled in a White House Rose Garden address at 4 p.m. ET.
Bitcoin’s climb wasn’t without its stumbles—earlier in the day, it flirted with a daily chart breakout, teasing a confirmed push beyond key resistance levels. Yet, as the clock ticked closer to Trump’s speech, the crypto king reclaimed lost ground, finding footing in a critical zone peppered with long-term trend lines. The rally, however, is shadowed by a stark warning: analysts suggest BTC could plummet back to $76,000 lows if the tariff reveal rattles risk markets more than expected.
The stakes couldn’t be higher. Trump’s “Liberation Day”—a term he’s wielded with gusto—promises a bold salvo of reciprocal tariffs aimed at reshaping America’s trade relationships. While U.S. stocks dipped slightly post-open, Bitcoin’s resilience has reignited debates about its role as a hedge against traditional market turbulence. But not everyone’s convinced the good times will last. Past tariff moves in Q1 2025 delivered consistent downward pressure on BTC, and some fear history could repeat itself with an 11% price dip looming on the horizon.
Still, optimism flickers in the Web3 sphere. Swissblock, a prominent asset management firm, offered a glimmer of hope, noting “no sign of an imminent collapse” in Bitcoin’s technicals. Their analysis hints at a market poised for a breakout—if only it can weather the tariff storm. Meanwhile, volatility remains the name of the game, with Trump’s press conference expected to send ripples across equities, commodities, and crypto alike.
For the Web3 faithful, the day’s drama underscores a broader narrative: Bitcoin’s fate is increasingly intertwined with global economic chess moves. As traders eye potential impacts on U.S.-China and U.S.-Canada trade flows, the question lingers—will BTC emerge as a safe haven or a casualty of “Liberation Day”? With the world watching, one thing’s clear: in the high-stakes arena of crypto and geopolitics, every tick of the clock counts.

Nikhil is a budding technology journalist and an alumnus of the prestigious Indian Institute of Mass Communication, specializing in the latest trends and innovations in the tech world. With a keen eye for emerging technologies and a passion for simplifying complex topics, Nikhil brings insightful and engaging tech news to the Kernel News audience.