Binance CEO Richard Teng has warned that U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed tariff policies could act as a catalyst for increased adoption of cryptocurrencies. In recent statements, Teng suggested that the reimposition of broad tariffs—one of Trump’s cornerstone economic promises if re-elected—may heighten financial instability and push investors toward decentralized financial alternatives.
According to Teng, cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum represent a borderless, politically neutral system that appeals to investors concerned about sovereign risk. “When capital faces uncertainty or threats from centralized monetary policy or government overreach, crypto becomes a natural hedge,” he noted. Teng’s comments come amid rising political rhetoric around protectionism and economic nationalism in the lead-up to the 2024 U.S. presidential election.
Trump has pledged to impose a 10% blanket tariff on all imports and raise duties on goods from specific nations such as China. Critics say such measures could disrupt global trade flows and further strain economic ties between the U.S. and key partners. Financial markets have already begun pricing in potential volatility, which Teng argues could prompt both institutional and retail investors to seek refuge in decentralized assets.
Industry watchers agree that rising geopolitical and economic tension often strengthens the investment case for crypto. “Periods of macroeconomic uncertainty historically correspond with spikes in crypto activity,” said a senior analyst at Glassnode. “In this case, it’s not just inflation or monetary easing—it’s structural shifts in trade policy that are causing concern.”
While crypto markets remain sensitive to regulation and enforcement actions, Teng pointed out that investor appetite for digital assets tends to rise when traditional systems show signs of stress. “We’re witnessing a growing awareness that crypto offers an alternative, not just in returns but in principles,” he added.
Still, some critics argue that crypto’s volatility and regulatory uncertainty make it an unreliable hedge. Others warn that a flood of politically driven capital could distort the market. However, if protectionist economic policies gain traction globally, Teng believes the long-term effect will be a net positive for crypto adoption.
Shogun Lin
