The cryptocurrency market has been a whirlwind of activity in May 2025, with Bitcoin smashing records, political controversies igniting debates, and regulatory developments reshaping the landscape. Here’s a rundown of the latest events shaking up the crypto world as of May 24, 2025.
Bitcoin Breaks $111,000, Fueled by Institutional and Regulatory Optimism
Bitcoin (BTC) has surged to a new all-time high, crossing $111,000 on May 22, 2025, and briefly touching $111,980 before settling around $111,385. This milestone marks a significant climb from its previous high of $109,000 during President Donald Trump’s inauguration in January. The rally, up 13% for the month, is driven by a mix of institutional adoption, positive regulatory developments, and a pro-crypto stance from the Trump administration.
Spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) have been a major catalyst, recording $211.7 million in inflows on May 23 alone, with cumulative inflows surpassing $40 billion for the year. Public companies now hold 15% of Bitcoin’s total supply, worth approximately $349 billion, reflecting a 31% increase in corporate holdings since January. Analysts like Chris Brendler from Rosenblatt argue this rally is “fundamentally different” due to growing institutional interest and a shift in global capital attitudes toward crypto, spurred by Trump’s embrace of digital assets.
Ether (ETH), the second-largest cryptocurrency, also saw a 6% jump, while the total crypto market capitalization rose 1.2% to $3.46 trillion. However, not all coins followed Bitcoin’s lead—some, like Ether, showed mixed performance, indicating selective market enthusiasm.
Trump’s $148M Meme Coin Dinner Stirs Ethical Concerns
President Donald Trump’s cryptocurrency ventures have taken center stage, both for their market impact and political fallout. On May 22, Trump hosted a high-profile dinner at Trump National Golf Club in Potomac Falls, Virginia, for top investors in his $TRUMP memecoin, launched in January 2025. The event, attended by 220 of the coin’s biggest buyers, was criticized for lax security