Bitcoin declined during Asian trading on Monday, giving back part of last week’s rebound as renewed geopolitical tensions weighed on investor sentiment. Risk appetite weakened after U.S. President Donald Trump announced new tariff threats against major European countries over Greenland.
The broader cryptocurrency market moved lower alongside Bitcoin, with several digital assets facing profit-taking after posting gains in the previous week.
Bitcoin dropped 2.8% to $92,519.6 by 00:56 ET (05:56 GMT). While the world’s largest cryptocurrency had climbed roughly 5% last week, prices slipped back below recent highs as market confidence faded.
Sentiment was further pressured by delays to a long-anticipated U.S. bill aimed at creating a clear regulatory framework for the crypto industry. Lawmakers postponed discussions following objections from several industry participants, increasing uncertainty around future regulation.
Trump tariff threats shake risk appetite
Trump stated that import tariffs of up to 25% would be imposed on several major European nations, including Denmark, France, and the United Kingdom, unless an agreement is reached to transfer control of Greenland to the United States.
European leaders strongly rejected the proposal, with France reportedly preparing potential retaliatory economic measures. The standoff triggered losses across global risk-sensitive markets amid fears of escalating geopolitical conflict, including concerns over NATO stability and more aggressive U.S. actions regarding Greenland.
Trump has repeatedly cited national security reasons for pursuing control of Greenland and has previously raised the possibility of military intervention. These comments carried additional weight following the early-2026 U.S. incursion into Venezuela.
Although cryptocurrencies are not directly impacted by trade tariffs or geopolitical disputes, heightened uncertainty typically reduces appetite for speculative assets. Trump’s tariff threats throughout 2025 have repeatedly coincided with risk-off moves across crypto markets.
Rising risk aversion also pushed investors toward traditional safe-haven assets such as gold, further pressuring digital currencies.
Heavy liquidations hit crypto markets
The crypto market recorded approximately $869.5 million in liquidations over the past 24 hours as risk sentiment deteriorated. Long positions accounted for the majority of losses, with Bitcoin positions worth about $229.5 million wiped out.
Ether and Solana also experienced significant liquidations, totaling roughly $154.6 million and $60.5 million, respectively. The sharp move erased much of the modest recovery seen over the past week, leaving overall market sentiment fragile.
Altcoins follow Bitcoin lower
Major altcoins tracked Bitcoin’s decline on Monday. Ether fell 3.5% to $3,199.06, while XRP dropped 4.7% to trade below the $2 level.
Solana slid 6.6%, Cardano declined 7.8%, and BNB lost 2.3%. Among memecoins, Dogecoin fell 7.4%, while the TRUMP token dropped 6.4%.
