Bitcoin slides to 15-month low, falling to $66,000 as broader crypto markets decline amid Fed expectations and shifting investor sentiment

Bitcoin fell sharply on Friday to $66,000, marking its lowest level in 15 months, despite continued support for the sector from former U.S. President Donald Trump.

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The decline reflects a 24% drop since the start of the year and intensifies a longer-term downward trend across global cryptocurrency markets.

The digital currency reached an all-time high of $122,200 in October 2025, driven largely by optimism surrounding Trump’s pro-crypto stance and expectations of relaxed regulatory oversight under his administration.

Trump signed legislation supporting federal backing of cryptocurrency, eased Securities and Exchange Commission enforcement, and launched his own branded crypto.

Analysts say the latest drop is linked to market-wide risk aversion, including Trump’s nomination of Kevin Warsh as Federal Reserve chair, whose expected “hawkish” monetary policy could dampen demand for riskier assets.

Deutsche Bank noted that Bitcoin’s value has been trending downward for four months, with broader sentiment toward digital currencies increasingly negative.

Other major cryptocurrencies have also fallen sharply.

Ethereum and Solana are down roughly 37% in 2026, while the overall crypto market has lost over $1 trillion in value over the past month, according to CoinGecko.

Industry voices remain divided on recovery prospects.

William Barhydt, CEO of Abra Capital Management, said Bitcoin could rebound, citing historical volatility, while Stifel warned prices might fall as low as $38,000 as cryptocurrencies increasingly track the US dollar.

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As the market adjusts, observers say Bitcoin’s future may depend less on political backing and more on its ability to secure a stable role in global finance.