What the “Trump effect” teaches us about crypto hype

The last six months have been a strange, exhilarating time for crypto. First, there was the so-called “Trump effect”—a surge in crypto prices and on-chain activity triggered by the then president-elect’s vocal support of crypto. Then came the viral “Hawk Tuah” meme, which somehow alchemized into a crypto memecoin that rocketed in value, pulled headlines, and emptied wallets in equal measure.

For many first-time crypto users, these moments were their gateway into the blockchain. Wallets were downloaded. Tokens were swapped. Twitter (now X) feeds were flooded with strange new lingo: HODL, degen, DYOR. It was a wild ride. For most newcomers, the experience probably felt like trying to join a conversation in a foreign language while riding a rollercoaster.

As the leader of a nonprofit dedicated to educating everyday Americans about crypto, I welcome this influx of interest. Crypto, at its best, can democratize financial access, create transparency, and offer new tools for digital empowerment. But hype cycles also bring risk: not just of financial loss, but of alienation and misunderstanding. It’s time we decouple the signal from the noise.

Crypto isn’t just for bros—and it never was

Let’s start by busting one of crypto’s most persistent stereotypes: that it’s just for young, wealthy finance bros chasing dreams of Lamborghini sports cars (aka “Lambos”) and going “to the moon.” Sure, that subculture exists—just like it does in day trading and sports betting. But crypto’s roots are far more diverse.

Earlier this year, we conducted one of the largest-ever studies of crypto holders in America. We found that almost one third (31%) are women, and more are over the age of 55 (15%) than under 25 (11%). Nearly as many crypto users work in construction (12%) as do in technology (14%)—far more than those working in finance (7%)—and many do not belong to higher income brackets, with roughly a quarter (26%) of crypto-owning households earning less than $75,000/year.

The stereotype is outdated and, frankly, dangerous. It discourages thoughtful newcomers from participating and lets bad actors hide behind a smokescreen of memes and cartoonish masculinity. The future of crypto will be shaped by everyday Americans, not caricatures.

Decode the lingo, stay for the mission

Don’t let the lingo intimidate you. You don’t need to speak “crypto” fluently to participate—just like you don’t need to know what “https” means to send an email. But to new users feeling overwhelmed by the language of crypto, here’s a quick translation guide to get started:

• HODL: Originally a typo for “hold,” it means holding on to your crypto for dear life and resisting the urge to sell in volatile markets. It’s become a philosophy for long-term belief in a project’s value.
• Degen: Short for “degenerate,” it describes high-risk traders chasing fast gains in often unvetted projects. It’s part joke, part warning.
• Memecoin: A token built around a joke or cultural moment like Dogecoin or the recent Hawk Tuah coin. Some are created in jest, others are tapping into legitimate community-driven goals. Think of these as digital collectibles, like Pokemon cards.

Tips for crypto newbies

• Start small, stay curious: The best way to learn is by doing. Treat your first crypto transaction like your first gym session—you’re here to learn the ropes, not break a record.
• Use reputable platforms: Avoid buying coins just because they’re trending on TikTok. Stick to exchanges and wallets with strong reputations, transparent policies, and educational resources.
• Do your own research: Known as “DYOR” in the crypto world, do your own research and lean on trusted sources. Unfortunately like any industry, there is risk of scams or fraud with crypto. Rule of thumb: If something seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Beyond the buzz

Crypto’s potential isn’t defined by celebrity endorsements or trending memes. It lies in what happens beyond the hype: freedom to exchange value directly, without back-office delays or middlemen taking control. Transparent governance and extra layers of privacy. True ownership and accessibility of your digital identity and assets.

Regardless of what piqued your interest in crypto or when, welcome. You’re right on time. The memes may fade, but crypto’s promise is here to stay.

Stu Alderoty is president of the National Cryptocurrency Association.