Category: Cryptocurrency

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Donald Trump’s latest foray into the digital asset world has ignited a fresh storm of controversy, with the Trump cryptocurrency scandal exposing new channels for self-enrichment and foreign influence. While past presidents have taken steps to avoid conflicts of interest, Trump’s second term is marked by a blatant embrace of the cryptocurrency space to monetize his office — a move that experts warn could jeopardize both ethical standards and national security.

Trump Coin: The Birth of a Speculative Grift

In January, days before his second inauguration, Trump-affiliated businesses launched a memecoin dubbed $Trump — a digital token with no underlying value beyond market speculation. Despite its lack of utility, the token surged to $75 per coin before quickly crashing. Speculators fueled the initial hype, but the Trump family benefited regardless, collecting millions in trading fees. Since the coin’s launch, over $312 million in crypto transactions and $43 million in other fees have flowed to Trump-linked entities.

The Trump cryptocurrency scandal isn’t just about personal gain — it also reveals how easily political figures can exploit poorly regulated markets to attract undisclosed funds. The mechanics of the Trump coin echo classic pump-and-dump schemes, but with the added danger of being led by the most powerful man in the world.

Gala Access: Trading Crypto for Influence

In a bid to inflate the token’s value again, Trump’s team announced that the top 220 holders of the $Trump token would receive exclusive invites to a gala dinner at Trump National Golf Club in Virginia. The top 25 buyers were offered an even more coveted prize: a VIP reception with the president and a private White House tour.

This crypto-powered sweepstakes wasn’t framed as a political fundraiser, but a private event organized by Trump’s business. Campaign laws — which require donor disclosures and spending restrictions — didn’t apply. This loophole allowed Trump to legally collect massive sums from anonymous buyers, many of whom were foreign investors.

Foreign Ties: The Risk of Crypto Influence

According to The Washington Post, nearly half of the top 220 memecoin holders used exchanges that ban U.S. users, suggesting international involvement. Among them was Justin Sun, the Chinese billionaire founder of crypto platform Tron. Despite being charged with fraud by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in 2023, Sun attended the gala after buying more than $20 million worth of Trump memecoins.

Strikingly, the SEC moved to pause its lawsuit against Sun shortly after Trump’s second term began. The optics of this decision, combined with Sun’s appointment as an adviser to Trump’s latest crypto venture, World Liberty Financial, raise serious concerns about political interference and favoritism.

Stablecoins, Abu Dhabi, and $2 Billion in Exposure

The Trump cryptocurrency scandal doesn’t stop at memecoins. On May 1, Trump’s son Eric and real estate partner Zach Witkoff announced that World Liberty would receive a $2 billion investment backed by the government of Abu Dhabi, using the platform’s stablecoin. That investment, if finalized, could result in hundreds of millions in profits for Trump and his family.

The move places a sitting U.S. president in the direct financial path of a foreign government’s strategic investments — a clear conflict of interest and a potential national security risk.

Deregulation Agenda: Dismantling Oversight

Adding to the alarm, the Trump administration has already begun rolling back crypto regulations. In April, the Justice Department was ordered to disband its crypto fraud unit, and Trump has vowed to make the U.S. the “crypto capital of the planet.” These deregulatory moves could open the floodgates for even more abuse.

While Trump once called crypto “a scam,” he now praises it as “common sense,” especially after reaping millions from it. The hypocrisy underscores how the Trump cryptocurrency scandal is less about belief in blockchain and more about building wealth unchecked.

Conclusion

With digital assets becoming a key pillar of Trump’s business empire, the boundaries between presidential power and personal profit are rapidly eroding. As foreign actors gain access to the president through crypto, the Trump cryptocurrency scandal reveals a troubling new blueprint for monetizing political office — one that undermines transparency, national security, and public trust.

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SHENZHEN, China, June 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — MicroCloud Hologram Inc. (NASDAQ: HOLO), (“HOLO” or the “Company”), a technology service provider, announced that they have purchased up to $200 million in Bitcoin and cryptocurrency-related securities derivatives. As of Jun. 03, the  cumulative investment income has reached $19.08 million. HOLO currently holds $303 million in cash reserves. The company plans to allocate these $303 million reserves toward derivatives and technology development in cutting-edge fields such as Bitcoin-related blockchain, quantum computing, quantum holography, and AI-powered AR.This move marks HOLO’s further exploration and practice in the cryptocurrency sector while also demonstrating its determination and strategic vision for future business expansion.

The purchased Bitcoin and its derivatives this time will be incorporated into HOLO’s capital reserve strategy, aiming to enhance the company’s financial stability and long-term growth potential through diversified investments. HOLO stated that purchasing Bitcoin and cryptocurrency derivatives is a key initiative in its exploration of the cryptocurrency market, helping it gain insights into market mechanisms, price fluctuations, and investment strategies. Through this plan, HOLO seeks to accumulate valuable experience for future business expansion and capital operations in the cryptocurrency sector.

The company currently holds approximately $303 million in cash reserves. The allocated funds of up to $200 million will primarily be used to invest in Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies with significant market influence and growth potential, as well as related securities derivatives. These assets will become a crucial part of HOLO’s financial reserves, helping to enhance the diversity and risk resilience of its overall asset portfolio. Meanwhile, HOLO also announced that its the  cumulative investment income have now reached $19.08 million. This figure highlights HOLO’s commitment to maintaining a strong financial position while also striving to create long-term value for its shareholders. HOLO emphasized that it will continue to uphold a prudent business strategy, enhance profitability and market competitiveness, and generate greater returns for its shareholders.

As a technology service provider, HOLO has also achieved significant breakthroughs in quantum system research and large-scale DeepSeek integration. These technological innovations not only provide strong support for HOLO’s investments in the cryptocurrency sector but also lay a solid foundation for its future business expansion.

With the continuous growth of the cryptocurrency market, more and more enterprises are entering this field. As one of the pioneers, HOLO’s investment decisions and strategic planning will undoubtedly serve as a model for other companies. Moving forward, HOLO will continue to explore and advance in the cryptocurrency sector, creating greater value for its shareholders while making a positive contribution to the overall development of the industry.

About MicroCloud Hologram Inc.

MicroCloud is committed to providing leading holographic technology services to its customers worldwide. MicroCloud’s holographic technology services include high-precision holographic light detection and ranging (“LiDAR”) solutions, based on holographic technology, exclusive holographic LiDAR point cloud algorithms architecture design, breakthrough technical holographic imaging solutions, holographic LiDAR sensor chip design and holographic vehicle intelligent vision technology to service customers that provide reliable holographic advanced driver assistance systems (“ADAS”). MicroCloud also provides holographic digital twin technology services for customers and has built a proprietary holographic digital twin technology resource library. MicroCloud’s holographic digital twin technology resource library captures shapes and objects in 3D holographic form by utilizing a combination of MicroCloud’s holographic digital twin software, digital content, spatial data-driven data science, holographic digital cloud algorithm, and holographic 3D capture technology. For more information, please visit http://ir.mcholo.com/

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements as defined by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include statements concerning plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events or performance, and underlying assumptions and other statements that are other than statements of historical facts. When the Company uses words such as “may,” “will,” “intend,” “should,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “project,” “estimate,” or similar expressions that do not relate solely to historical matters, it is making forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties that may cause the actual results to differ materially from the Company’s expectations discussed in the forward-looking statements. These statements are subject to uncertainties and risks including, but not limited to, the following: the Company’s goals and strategies; the Company’s future business development; product and service demand and acceptance; changes in technology; economic conditions; reputation and brand; the impact of competition and pricing; government regulations; fluctuations in general economic; financial condition and results of operations; the expected growth of the holographic industry and business conditions in China and the international markets the Company plans to serve and assumptions underlying or related to any of the foregoing and other risks contained in reports filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), including the Company’s most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K and current report on Form 6-K and its subsequent filings. For these reasons, among others, investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements in this press release. Additional factors are discussed in the Company’s filings with the SEC, which are available for review at www.sec.gov. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly revise these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that arise after the date hereof.

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SOURCE MicroCloud Hologram Inc.

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The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has raised fresh doubts about the viability of crypto staking ETFs, casting uncertainty over the launch of the first funds tied to Ethereum (ETH) and Solana (SOL) staking. These concerns focus on whether such products legally qualify as exchange-traded funds (ETFs) under current U.S. securities law.

SEC Scrutinizes Ethereum and Solana Staking Funds

In a letter dated Friday, the SEC directly addressed ETF Opportunities Trust, expressing reservations over two proposed products: the REX-Osprey Ethereum ETF and the REX-Osprey Solana ETF. These funds, developed by REX Financial and Osprey Funds, aim to offer staking exposure—allowing investors to earn rewards from holding and locking their crypto assets to secure blockchain networks.

However, the SEC questioned whether the structure of these crypto staking ETFs meets the standards required under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Without fitting into this legal framework, such funds may be ineligible for listing on public exchanges.

The regulator also criticized the ETFs’ registration statements, suggesting they may be “potentially misleading” in describing their classification and structure. These unresolved issues have stalled progress toward market approval and may require significant revisions before any launch.

Legal Classification Remains Murky

At the core of the SEC’s concerns is the legal gray area surrounding crypto assets and staking mechanisms. The agency recently released guidance suggesting that staking participants do not necessarily need to register their activities. Yet, by raising objections to these ETFs, the SEC appears to be contradicting its own stance.

Greg Collett, general counsel at REX Financial, expressed optimism in comments to Bloomberg, saying, “We think we can satisfy the SEC on the investment company question, and we don’t intend to launch the funds until we do that.” Meanwhile, both REX Financial and Osprey Funds have declined to comment further.

If approved, the REX-Osprey products would become the first crypto staking ETFs tied to ETH and SOL, as well as the first spot Solana ETF. These milestones could represent a turning point for mainstream crypto exposure through regulated investment vehicles.

Commissioner Crenshaw Slams Regulatory Inconsistency

The debate over the legitimacy of crypto staking ETFs took another turn when SEC Commissioner Caroline Crenshaw publicly criticized the agency’s inconsistency. In a statement issued Saturday, Crenshaw challenged the notion that ETH and SOL can be considered securities in some cases but not in others.

She wrote: “We’ve seen staff statement after staff statement, pronouncing that all sorts of crypto assets are not securities. And yet, now we see no objection to the effectiveness of new exchange-traded funds that assert certain crypto assets—ETH and SOL—actually are securities.”

Crenshaw’s comments reflect broader tensions within the SEC over how to approach digital assets—a sector that continues to evolve faster than regulators can respond. Her pointed remarks question whether the Commission has developed a coherent legal framework for crypto ETFs and staking.

What This Means for Investors and the Market

For investors, the delay is a reminder of the regulatory risks involved in the crypto sector. While the potential of earning yield through crypto staking ETFs is appealing, the uncertain legal landscape could deter fund issuers and traditional financial institutions from diving in.

Moreover, the SEC’s stance may influence how other pending ETF applications—such as those tied to Bitcoin (CRYPTO:BTC), Ethereum (CRYPTO:ETH), or Solana (CRYPTO:SOL)—are evaluated in the months to come.

Despite these challenges, the appetite for crypto-linked ETFs continues to grow. Major players like BlackRock (NYSE:BLK), Fidelity, and Invesco are actively exploring new crypto products, including spot Bitcoin ETFs and futures-based offerings.

Whether or not staking products ultimately gain approval, it’s clear that the path forward will require legal clarity, consistent regulatory positions, and ongoing engagement between industry leaders and policymakers. Until then, crypto staking ETFs remain a promising—but still uncertain—frontier in digital asset investing.

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The Ethereum price prediction market is heating up, with top analysts forecasting an explosive rally in the coming cycle. Crypto strategist Crypto GEM has made a bold call, suggesting that Ethereum (ETH) could soar to $8,000 by July 2026 — a nearly 3x return from current levels.

Despite recent stagnation, Ethereum continues to hold investor interest as the second-largest cryptocurrency by market cap. Crypto GEM’s projection is backed by technical analysis suggesting a parabolic move could be underway.

Analysts Back Ultra-Bullish Ethereum Price Forecast

Joining Crypto GEM in the bullish camp is respected analyst Mikybull Crypto, who predicts Ethereum could reach between $8,000 and $10,000 during this market cycle. He draws comparisons to ETH’s 2017 market performance, noting similar technical patterns are emerging today.

Mikybull argues that despite Ethereum’s relative underperformance compared to other altcoins this year, the asset is quietly setting up for a significant parabolic run. In a recent analysis, he highlighted an ascending triangle pattern — a historically bullish formation — that could launch ETH above $3,000 in the near term.

Short-Term Outlook: $3,200 to $3,600

In the short run, Mikybull Crypto expects the Ethereum price to break above key resistance levels. His short-term Ethereum price prediction targets $3,200, driven by the ascending triangle’s breakout potential. A more optimistic chart suggests ETH could even surge past $3,600, putting it within striking distance of the psychological $4,000 level.

This critical threshold is seen by many traders as a launchpad for Ethereum to retest and eventually surpass its previous all-time high (ATH), which was around $4,800 during the 2021 bull market.

Bull Flag Suggests $3,800 Is Next

Adding to the chorus of bullish voices is Titan of Crypto, who recently noted a bull flag pattern forming on Ethereum’s price chart. In his view, this structure has just broken out, which could drive ETH to an intermediate target of $3,800.

Titan of Crypto isn’t stopping there. His extended outlook includes three targets: $5,000, $7,000, and a top target of $8,500. If Ethereum follows this trajectory, it would not only validate the current Ethereum price prediction trend but also signal a new ATH for the asset.

Market Context and Current Price

At the time of writing, Ethereum (ETH) is trading at approximately $2,500, down slightly over the past 24 hours, according to CoinMarketCap. While the recent dip has dampened short-term enthusiasm, long-term sentiment remains overwhelmingly positive among technical analysts.

As macroeconomic conditions improve and interest in decentralized finance (DeFi) and Web3 continues to grow, many believe Ethereum is well-positioned to benefit from the next major crypto bull run. With potential support from institutional investors and upcoming network upgrades like Ethereum 2.0, a push toward the $8,000 mark seems increasingly plausible.

Final Thoughts

While no Ethereum price prediction is guaranteed, the combination of bullish chart patterns, historical cycles, and expert sentiment provides compelling evidence for Ethereum’s upward potential. Investors should keep a close eye on technical breakouts around $3,200 and $3,800, as these levels may serve as launch points for the next major rally.

Long-term investors may also consider Ethereum’s expanding ecosystem, which includes Layer 2 scaling solutions, NFT platforms, and decentralized applications (dApps). As these use cases gain traction, ETH could benefit from increased demand and network activity, further supporting a climb toward the $8,000 mark. In addition, Ethereum’s upcoming protocol upgrades, such as those improving scalability and reducing gas fees, could enhance its competitiveness against rivals like Solana (CRYPTO:SOL) and Cardano (CRYPTO:ADA).

With institutional interest growing and crypto adoption continuing to rise globally, Ethereum is positioned not just as a leading smart contract platform but also as a long-term investment opportunity in the digital asset space.

This makes Ethereum not only a speculative asset but also a foundational pillar in the broader blockchain economy. As confidence builds and global regulatory clarity improves, ETH could see sustained inflows from both retail and institutional investors. All eyes will be on Ethereum as it approaches these critical price milestones.

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SINGAPORE, May 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — AEON, the next-generation crypto payment framework for intelligent commerce, has integrated USD1, the fiat-backed digital dollar developed by World Liberty Financial Inc. (WLFI), into its global payment ecosystem. This integration enables users to seamlessly pay with USD1 across both online and offline retail scenarios, furthering AEON’s mission to make stable, real-world crypto payments universally accessible.

Through this integration, AEON Pay—AEON’s Web3 mobile payment platform—now supports USD1 for a broad range of consumer payments. Users can transact with USD1 at over 20 million retail endpoints across Southeast Asia, including in-store shopping, dining, top-ups, and other everyday purchases. Global rollout is underway, with planned expansion into emerging markets, including Africa and Latin America.

AEON Pay is available via the Telegram Mini App and integrated into Bitget Wallet, Token Pocket, as well as other popular Web3 wallets, allowing users to scan to pay using USD1. Payments are processed through AEON’s unified settlement infrastructure, which handles everything from on-chain token management to merchant settlements, ensuring a fast, reliable user experience.

As adoption of digital dollars continues to grow, the integration of USD1 into AEON’s ecosystem enhances and increases real-world utility and application of digital assets, combining security, speed, and compliance into a single global payment framework.  This milestone supports AEON’s mission to power and deliver frictionless crypto payments across chains, currencies, and regions, empowering users and merchants with greater flexibility and convenience.

About World Liberty Financial

World Liberty Financial (WLFI) is a pioneering decentralized finance (DeFi) protocol and governance platform inspired by the vision of President Donald J. Trump. WLFI develops transparent, secure, and accessible financial tools, including institutional-grade products designed to broaden participation in decentralized finance.

About AEON

AEON is the next-generation crypto payment framework, built for AI to drive intelligent, automated payments across Web3 and simplify how crypto works in real life. With omni-chain support, AEON’s AI Payments system allows intelligent agents to manage and automate transactions, payments, subscriptions, and remittances for users.

With offerings like Web3 Mobile Payment that allows users to pay with crypto across 10,000 brands at 20+ million retail merchants in SEA, Africa and Latin America, Online Web3 Payment, Swap Pay, and a growing suite of AI-integrated payment services, AEON aims to create a future of crypto finance that’s intelligent, scalable, and borderless, where AI meets real life through seamless, scalable payments for next billion of users.

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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/aeon-integrates-world-liberty-financials-usd1-to-power-stablecoin-real-world-payments-302469436.html

SOURCE AEON

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