Crypto News: Trump Media Approved, Cardano’s Bitcoin Bridge, XRP’s Ethereum Plans

Catch up on what’s hot in crypto over the last two weeks. StealthEX and CryptoDaily are back with your quick fix of market movers and big updates. We skip the fluff and give you the facts. What’s new? What’s next? It’s all right here. Get the scoop, stay smart, and never fall behind. Let’s dive in.

Europe’s Crypto Ambitions Grow as Blockchain Group Plans Major Bitcoin Expansion

A Paris-based tech firm is taking a bold step in the crypto world. Blockchain Group plans to raise $340 million to boost its Bitcoin holdings. The company already holds over $150 million in BTC, but this new plan would more than double that.

Instead of raising funds the usual way, they’ve chosen a more flexible route. They’ll sell shares in small amounts, at market price, without flooding the stock. Sales are limited to 21% of the daily volume, based on set pricing rules. It’s a careful strategy to protect the company’s value while building its Bitcoin treasury.

They’re not doing it alone. TOBAM, a major French asset manager, will lead the capital raise. The goal is clear: make Bitcoin a central part of their business, not just a side bet.

This approach is part of a larger plan to grow beyond Europe. Blockchain Group’s leadership says Bitcoin is a long-term asset, not a quick flip. They want to position the company globally, not just in the EU.

While U.S. firms pull money from Bitcoin ETFs, Blockchain Group is buying more. Their move shows a shift—Europe wants a bigger piece of the crypto pie.

Cardano Launches Protocol to Bring Bitcoin into DeFi—No Middlemen Needed

Cardano is making a move that could change how Bitcoin works in DeFi. Founder Charles Hoskinson has introduced a new protocol called Cardinal. It lets people use their Bitcoin in decentralized apps—without giving up control or trusting third parties.

Cardinal works by wrapping Bitcoin’s unspent outputs into tokens that generate rewards. You can lend, borrow, or stake these assets on Cardano. And it all happens without banks or custodians in the middle.

The system is based on Cardano’s unique UTXO model. It shares similarities with Bitcoin but adds smart contract support. Wrapped tokens stay linked 1:1 with the original BTC and can be burned at any time to release the real thing.

Security is a top priority. Cardinal uses MuSig2, a multi-signature method that helps lock Bitcoin safely. Redemptions follow fraud-resistant rules, offering extra protection.

There’s more. The protocol works across chains, including Ethereum, Solana, and Avalanche. Even Ordinals—Bitcoin’s NFTs—can now be used in DeFi through Cardinal. You can trade, lend, or use them as collateral on other blockchains.

Future upgrades could add zero-knowledge proofs and wallet support. Cardinal might open the door for Bitcoin holders to finally enter DeFi with real control, not just wrapped promises.

XRP Ledger Set to Welcome Ethereum Apps with New EVM Sidechain

Big changes are coming to the XRP Ledger. A new sidechain, compatible with Ethereum, is on its way. Launch is expected in Q2 2025. This upgrade will let XRP users access Ethereum apps without leaving the XRP ecosystem.

The plan was revealed during the APEX 2025 event in Singapore. Ripple’s team, along with developers from Peersyst Technologies, is building the sidechain. It runs next to the XRP mainnet and supports Ethereum’s smart contracts and tools.

Right now, the sidechain is being tested. It already handles hundreds of thousands of transactions daily. The mainnet version will go live once testing ends and validators are in place.

What’s new? Developers who never worked with XRP before are now contributing. Ripple says nearly 90 new groups have joined the network since testing began. That’s one of the biggest growth spurts in XRP’s history.

This sidechain allows things like staking, lending, and DeFi pools—features that XRP didn’t fully support before. Wrapped XRP will be the gas token, and Axelar will manage token transfers between chains.

Ripple’s move aims to bring in Ethereum developers while offering lower fees and faster transactions. It’s a clear sign XRP wants a stronger role in the Web3 world.

---

Choose StealthEX for Exchange and Buy Crypto.

• User-Friendly — Simple and minimalistic interface for everyone.
• Fast and Private — Instant non-custodial cryptocurrency exchanges.
• Buy crypto with Credit Card.
• 2000+ coins and tokens are available for limitless, quick and easy exchanges.
• NO-KYC crypto exchanges — Buy cryptocurrency up to $700 without KYC!
• StealthEX crypto exchange app — Process crypto swaps at the best rates wherever you are.
• 24/7 Customer Support.

Earn from Each Exchange by Joining StealthEX Affiliate Program.
Become a partner right now and use affiliate tools:

• Public API — Earn from your wallet, aggregator, or exchange terminal.
• Referral Links — Recommend StealthEX to your audience.
• Exchange Widget — Built crypto exchange widget on any page of your website.
• Button — A perfect choice for traffic monetization.
• Banner — Track conversion and stats right in the personal cabinet.

---

Coinbase and Amex Unveil New Card With Bitcoin Rewards

Coinbase has teamed up with American Express to launch a new payment card. It’s called the Coinbase One Card. Users can earn up to 4% back in Bitcoin just by using it for everyday purchases.

The announcement came during Coinbase’s latest crypto conference. The card is issued by First Electronic Bank and works through Cardless. It links directly to Coinbase accounts, making it easy to earn rewards while spending.

There’s more than just Bitcoin cashback. People who hold USDC, a stablecoin on Coinbase, get extra benefits. That includes higher rewards and better staking returns. If you use Coinbase’s Base network, you also receive credits and boosted rates.

There’s a paid version of the service too. For $4.99 a month, or $49.99 a year, users get zero trading fees, staking bonuses, and access to special partner offers. It’s part of a push to blend crypto into daily finance.

Cardholders will also enjoy perks from the American Express network, like deals, protections, and exclusive events. A waitlist is already open.

Amex says this shows their long-term belief in digital money. They’re building tools that feel familiar, but with crypto at the core. This launch follows moves by Mastercard, MetaMask, and others diving into crypto payments.

GameStop Plans $1.75B Raise as Bitcoin Strategy Deepens

GameStop is going all in on its shift toward Bitcoin. The company has announced a plan to raise $1.75 billion through convertible notes. These are special bonds that can later be turned into stock. The offering targets large investors only.

The notes will pay no interest and mature in 2032. GameStop can repay them in cash, shares, or both. Investors have two weeks to buy an extra $250 million worth. The exact pricing will be based on the company’s average share price during a set trading window.

While GameStop didn’t say the money is for Bitcoin, the wording leaves little doubt. The company’s updated policy already lists crypto as a potential asset. Back in April, it raised $1.5 billion and bought over 4,700 Bitcoin, worth half a billion dollars at the time.

That move made GameStop one of the largest Bitcoin holders among public companies. This latest raise could push them even higher.

Investors weren’t thrilled. GameStop’s stock dropped sharply after the news, following weak earnings and lower revenue. Still, the company has strong cash reserves and a high liquidity rating. It seems they’re betting on Bitcoin to help turn things around.

Crypto Founder in NY Accused of Laundering $500 Million for Russian Banks

A New York entrepreneur has been arrested for allegedly running a massive crypto laundering scheme. Iurii Gugnin, a Russian national living in the U.S., is accused of moving over $500 million through the American banking system.

Federal prosecutors say Gugnin used two companies—Evita Investments and Evita Pay—as fronts. The goal: help sanctioned Russian banks hide money and access U.S. technology. The alleged crimes happened between June 2023 and January 2025.

Authorities claim Gugnin lied to banks, saying he had no ties to Russia. But behind the scenes, he was reportedly working with banks like Sberbank, VTB, and Tinkoff. He even had personal accounts with them while living in the U.S.

The money flowed through Tether and other crypto tools, then got converted into U.S. dollars. Some of the funds were used to buy restricted materials, including nuclear-related tech.

The Justice Department called it a “covert pipeline for dirty money.” Gugnin faces 22 charges, including fraud and violating U.S. sanctions laws.

If convicted, he could spend decades in prison. Prosecutors say this case shows how crypto can be misused for illegal finance—even while pretending to be part of the tech economy.

Paraguay President’s X Account Hacked in Fake Bitcoin Announcement

On Monday, chaos hit the crypto world after a fake post appeared on President Santiago Peña’s X account. The message falsely claimed that Paraguay had adopted Bitcoin as legal tender. It even included a wallet address and urged users to invest.

The message, written in English, was out of character. Peña normally posts only in Spanish. The sudden shift raised suspicions quickly.

Paraguay’s government acted fast. Officials released a statement saying the president’s account had been hacked. They warned people not to trust the post and to rely only on official government channels.

Later, President Peña addressed the issue himself. He thanked Paraguay’s cybersecurity team and X staff for quickly restoring his account. He called the breach a reminder of how important online security has become.

This wasn’t the first time something like this happened. In 2021, hackers used Indian Prime Minister Modi’s account to falsely announce a Bitcoin move. Earlier this year, a similar attack hit the U.S. SEC’s X profile, causing confusion around ETF approvals.

The fake Paraguay post shows how crypto scams keep evolving. Social media remains a key target for fraudsters who want to use high-profile accounts to push fake news and trick investors.

Trump Media Gets SEC Approval for Bitcoin Treasury Plans

Trump Media and Technology Group just cleared a big hurdle with U.S. regulators. The SEC has approved its filing for a $2.3 billion Bitcoin-related plan. This green light opens the door for Trump Media to move forward with its crypto strategy.

The company had filed an S-3 registration form. It covers 56 million shares and another 20 million tied to convertible notes. These came from deals with about 50 investors. The approved filing also includes a shelf registration, allowing future securities offerings with fewer delays.

Trump Media hasn’t said when or if it will issue more shares. But CEO Devin Nunes made the direction clear. He said the company will keep expanding its social media, TV, fintech, and now crypto services. Bitcoin, according to Nunes, is now a key asset in that growth.

This move follows Trump Media’s earlier $2.5 billion raise, which was used to buy Bitcoin. That positioned the company as a major corporate holder of BTC.

On top of that, they’ve filed paperwork for a Bitcoin ETF. The plan is to track the price of BTC through a custodian-held trust.

With approval in hand, Trump Media is building fast—and putting crypto at the heart of it all.

SEC Delays Decisions on Dogecoin, Polkadot, and Other Crypto ETFs

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has pushed back decisions on several crypto ETF proposals. This includes funds linked to Dogecoin, Polkadot, Hedera, and Avalanche. The agency says it needs more time to review public comments and assess potential risks.

Canary Capital’s Hedera ETF was up for a second deadline but didn’t get a verdict. Instead, the SEC asked for more feedback. Grayscale’s Polkadot ETF is in the same position—waiting for answers, not approvals.

New deadlines have now been set. The SEC will revisit Hedera in September and Polkadot in November. That gives regulators time to consider how these products might affect investors and the broader market.

Other proposals are also on hold. The Bitwise Dogecoin ETF and VanEck’s Avalanche Trust are in limbo, too. The Avalanche fund was filed with Nasdaq and is waiting on a final call from the SEC later this summer.

The Commission hasn’t said no. But it hasn’t said yes either. For now, it’s asking more questions.

These delays come as interest in altcoin-linked ETFs grows. Investors want access without holding the tokens directly. But for now, the wait continues.

Senate Moves Stablecoin Bill Forward, Vote Expected Next Week

The U.S. Senate has taken a major step toward regulating stablecoins. Lawmakers voted 68 to 30 to advance the GENIUS Act. This clears the way for a final vote, which could happen as early as Monday.

The bill sets rules for digital coins tied to the U.S. dollar. It aims to make payments safer while keeping innovation alive. The bipartisan support was clear—eighteen Democrats joined most Republicans to move it ahead.

Senator Tim Scott, a lead sponsor, said this proves Congress can still work together. He called it a win for national security and the future of digital finance.

Not everyone agrees. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and others voted no. They raised concerns about the process and lack of amendment options. One Democrat, Lisa Blunt Rochester, even flipped her position and pulled support.

Meanwhile, President Trump’s team has backed the bill. A White House statement said the President would sign it if it reaches his desk.

The House still needs to act. They have their own version of a stablecoin bill, which passed committee earlier this year. Whether the two chambers can agree remains to be seen—but the Senate is now one step closer to making stablecoin rules official.

Washington Opens Crypto Channel with Bukele’s El Salvador

A top U.S. digital asset advisor landed in El Salvador this week. Bo Hines, executive director of the White House council on digital assets, met with President Nayib Bukele. The two discussed Bitcoin, stablecoins, and modern finance.

It’s a big signal. The United States, under the Trump administration, may be shifting focus toward crypto partnerships in Latin America. Hines praised Bukele’s leadership and called the country’s Bitcoin adoption a powerful step forward. Bukele, who made Bitcoin legal tender in 2021, welcomed the talks.

The meeting didn’t happen in isolation. Just weeks ago, Bukele visited the White House to discuss security issues. Crypto wasn’t on that agenda. But this time, digital assets took center stage.

Stacy Herbert from El Salvador’s Bitcoin Office called the moment historic. She said more collaboration is coming, possibly including stablecoin and blockchain infrastructure efforts.

Observers say this is more than diplomacy. It’s strategy. The U.S. sees potential in El Salvador’s crypto experiment. And Bukele needs allies as he doubles down on Bitcoin.

Behind the scenes, this could also tie into regional immigration deals. El Salvador recently agreed to house deported individuals in a high-security prison. That agreement aligns with Trump’s agenda — and deepens ties between the two countries.

$10B Treasury Buyback Reverses Bitcoin’s Sharp Drop Overnight

Markets flipped direction fast after a historic $10 billion U.S. Treasury buyback hit headlines early Friday. Bitcoin had just fallen below $101,000 following a heated clash between Donald Trump and Elon Musk. The feud had sent shockwaves through global markets. Investors panicked. Confidence wavered. But the mood changed almost instantly.

Within hours of the Treasury’s announcement, Bitcoin surged. Liquidity rushed back into the system. Treasury buybacks like this are rare. When they happen, they signal something big: more cash flowing into markets, lower bond yields, and—often—a weaker dollar. That’s good news for crypto.

Traders snapped up Bitcoin. Prices rebounded sharply. It wasn’t just Bitcoin that reacted. Altcoins followed the rally, driven by expectations of easing financial conditions. Analysts say the Treasury’s move could be the start of a broader shift in U.S. fiscal policy.

The timing raised eyebrows. Just one day after public drama rocked Wall Street, the federal government stepped in with a record-breaking move. Was it coordinated? Hard to say. But the result was clear—Bitcoin shook off its slump.

Crypto markets remain volatile, but this week proved how fast momentum can turn. When governments act, Bitcoin watches closely—and often reacts louder than any other asset.

Ethereum Foundation Shifts Gears to Weather Market Storms

The Ethereum Foundation is making big changes to how it manages its money. Facing an unpredictable crypto market, the group has announced a new financial strategy built on stability, not risk.

Going forward, the Foundation will keep enough cash to cover two and a half years of operations. This includes research, development, and grants. That way, even if the price of ETH crashes, the core work won’t stop.

There’s more. The group will also limit how much it spends each year. The new cap starts at 15% of total assets. Over five years, that number will drop to 5%. It’s a major shift from past practices, where spending rose with the market.

This new approach puts safety first. No more reacting to price swings. Instead, the Foundation wants to plan long-term, even in rough times. It’s a move some are calling mature, even overdue.

To back it up, Ethereum’s leadership will now publish financial reports four times a year. The reports will go to both the board and the public. This is about trust. Developers, investors, and users all want to know where the money is going.

The Foundation isn’t just building Ethereum’s tech. It’s also trying to prove it can manage billions responsibly.

BlackRock Dumps $561M in Bitcoin, Loads Up on Ethereum Instead

BlackRock is changing its crypto game. The asset management giant just sold over half a billion dollars in Bitcoin. At the same time, it bought $69 million worth of Ethereum. This move has caught the market’s attention.

Blockchain data showed the firm offloaded 5,362 BTC to Coinbase Prime. These transfers weren’t random. They were grouped in clean, organized chunks—likely part of a planned exit.

It didn’t stop there. BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust saw back-to-back days of big redemptions. Monday brought $130 million in withdrawals. Tuesday, that number more than tripled. Total: $561 million gone.

While Bitcoin was leaving the building, Ethereum quietly entered the picture. BlackRock pulled over 27,000 ETH off Coinbase. That’s not small change. It reflects a clear shift in focus.

Ethereum’s network is also buzzing. Transactions spiked past 1.2 million in a day. The ETH/BTC ratio climbed too, signaling stronger momentum on Ethereum’s side.

Some call this rotation a bet on Ethereum’s future. Others see it as a hedge against Bitcoin’s recent cooling. Either way, BlackRock isn’t standing still. It’s adjusting in real time, and the rest of the market is watching.

X Taps Crypto Forecasts with New Polymarket Partnership

X is getting into prediction markets. The social media platform, once known as Twitter, has teamed up with Polymarket to bring real-time forecasting tools into the app.

This isn’t just a feature update. It’s a full integration. Users will soon see data-driven predictions about elections, sports, and world events—right next to trending posts and replies. All of it will be powered by Polymarket’s on-chain forecasting engine.

The move blends crypto with social media in a new way. No need to leave the app or guess public opinion. It’ll be right there, driven by real market bets, not speculation.

X’s AI chatbot Grok will also play a big role. Built by xAI, Elon Musk’s AI company, Grok will scan posts, analyze sentiment, and feed it into Polymarket’s system. The result? Faster, more accurate predictions delivered in real time.

Executives from both companies say it’s a natural fit. Polymarket brings blockchain accuracy. X brings global reach. Together, they hope to offer insight you can’t get from polls or headlines alone.

The partnership marks a shift in how users consume information. It’s not just about tweets anymore. Now it’s about live, data-backed signals that help people act quickly and stay ahead.

Trump-Themed Crypto Wallet Sparks Family Feud and Legal Warnings

A crypto project claiming to represent Donald Trump has ignited a firestorm. This week, a flashy website promoting a so-called “official” Trump Wallet went live, triggering immediate backlash from the Trump family.

The site displayed a muscular image of Trump and called itself the $TRUMP Wallet. It promised early access, featured Trump branding, and cited Magic Eden as its partner. The platform even posted announcements on social media, urging people to “join the $TRUMP community.” But there’s a catch—it’s not actually endorsed by Trump.

Within hours, Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump denied any link to the project. Both made it clear the Trump Organization had no part in the wallet. Eric even warned Magic Eden to stop using the Trump name without permission.

Behind the drama is a deeper rift. The project appears connected to Fight Fight Fight LLC, a crypto firm led by Trump’s longtime business associate, Bill Zanker. That company runs the $TRUMP token but operates separately from the Trump family’s official ventures.

Legal threats now loom as both sides trade accusations. The brand confusion highlights growing tension inside the Trump crypto ecosystem, where billions in token value hang in the balance.

Sberbank Unveils Bitcoin-Linked Bonds for Russian Investors

Russia’s biggest bank is stepping into crypto—but with a twist. Sberbank has launched a new bond that ties investor returns to Bitcoin’s price and the USD-to-ruble exchange rate. But there’s no need to buy Bitcoin directly.

The bond is built for professionals. It’s only available to qualified investors who meet Russia’s strict financial standards. Buyers don’t need a crypto wallet or foreign accounts. Everything is done in rubles, inside Russia’s financial system.

This approach lets Sberbank offer crypto exposure while staying within local regulations. It’s a smart workaround, especially in a country that still restricts most direct crypto trading.

The product is part of a larger shift. Russia’s central bank recently gave the green light for qualified investors to trade crypto derivatives. That softening stance has opened new doors for institutions.

Sberbank isn’t stopping here. The bank plans to list Bitcoin futures on its SberInvestments platform. The contracts will trade on the Moscow Exchange, giving investors another way to bet on Bitcoin legally.

Retail users still can’t join in. But for big players, crypto is moving from the shadows into formal finance. The bond is proof. Russia may still be cautious, but the line between traditional finance and digital assets is quickly fading.

Hong Kong Firm Aims to Buy $1.5B in Bitcoin for Treasury Use

An interesting plan is taking shape in Asia. Hong Kong-based Reitar Logtech wants to buy up to $1.5 billion worth of Bitcoin. The company filed its proposal with U.S. regulators on June 2, signaling one of the largest corporate Bitcoin acquisitions to date.

Reitar isn’t just jumping into crypto. It’s using Bitcoin to strengthen its treasury. The firm, which operates in logistics and real estate, sees Bitcoin as a hedge—and a tool to support expansion. Leaders say this move reflects a long-term shift toward digital asset resilience.

The deal is structured through share swaps. Reitar plans to issue new stock in exchange for Bitcoin held by a group of institutional investors. The final amount will depend on market prices at the time of each transaction.

In total, the company hopes to acquire 15,000 BTC, assuming a price near $100,000 per coin. That’s a huge bet, but Reitar believes the digital asset will add flexibility to its global logistics operations.

CEO John Chan framed the move as part of a larger push into smart logistics across Asia. The company sees Bitcoin not just as a store of value—but as a tool for transformation in the fast-changing supply chain world.

$11.5M Stolen in BitoPro Hack During Wallet Upgrade

BitoPro has confirmed a major security breach. The Taiwan-based crypto exchange lost about $11.5 million in digital assets after attackers targeted an outdated hot wallet. The breach happened during a scheduled system upgrade.

The hack was first spotted by blockchain watchers. Suspicious withdrawals raised alarms. Soon after, BitoPro published a statement acknowledging the incident and said it had moved remaining funds to secure wallets.

Hot wallets are always online. That makes them easier to use—but also easier to attack. In this case, the hackers exploited a system that was still being updated.

According to on-chain analysis, the stolen assets were moved through Ethereum, Solana, Tron, and Polygon networks. From there, the attackers used mixers like Tornado Cash and Thorchain swaps to cover their tracks. Eventually, the funds ended up in privacy wallets like Wasabi.

Despite the breach, BitoPro said all user operations continue as normal. Deposits, withdrawals, and trading haven’t been interrupted. The platform also reassured customers that it has enough reserves to cover all losses.

The company is now working with a cybersecurity firm to investigate the hack. It also plans to publish new wallet addresses soon, in a move to increase transparency and restore user trust.

Czech Justice Minister Resigns Over $45M Bitcoin Scandal

A political crisis has exploded in the Czech Republic. The country’s justice minister, Pavel Blažek, stepped down after reports linked a $45 million Bitcoin donation to a convicted dark web drug dealer.

The donation, received earlier this year, was tied to Tomáš Jiřikovský. He’s the man behind Sheep Marketplace, a now-defunct dark net platform once used for illegal trades. Jiřikovský was sentenced in 2017. Despite that, his Bitcoin somehow entered government hands—and was later auctioned off for millions. The fallout was swift.

Public outrage surged. Critics demanded answers. The government scrambled. Prime Minister Petr Fiala called a National Security Council meeting. He ordered an investigation into how such funds were accepted without proper checks.

The president also weighed in. Petr Pavel warned that public trust in legal institutions was in danger. He urged quick reform.

Then came political fire. The opposition, led by former PM Andrej Babiš, called for a no-confidence vote. His party accused the current government of gross negligence. Coalition partners began questioning the administration’s oversight, even as they hesitated to split.

The scandal has shaken Prague’s political scene. As investigations unfold, the future of Fiala’s government hangs in the balance—just months before national elections.

This article is not supposed to provide financial advice. Digital assets are risky. Be sure to do your own research and consult your financial advisor before investing.

Tags: Bitcoin crypto world CryptoDaily Ethereum Trump