AT Global Markets analyst: The global markets may decline further today

Trump’s nominee for Fed chair: won’t be a White House puppet—crypto assets will become the new financial normal

Warsh emphasized the Federal Reserve’s independence at the hearing, denied being a White House puppet, and did not commit to rate cuts; if he takes office or adopts a more accommodative policy, it would be positive for risk assets such as Bitcoin. U.S. stocks fell amid the hearing and geopolitical risks, with the three major indexes down by about 0.6%. Changes in Middle East talks also intensified market risk sentiment.

U.S. Navy admiral: Bitcoin has become a tool for America’s “power projection,” and cyber security should have major scientific significance

U.S. Navy Admiral Samuel Paparo said Tuesday at a hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee that Bitcoin, as a means of power projection, is “a very valuable computer science tool,” and he noted that Bitcoin’s Proof of Work (PoW) technology “imposes greater costs on attackers trying to breach networks,” adding that its cybersecurity applications have “very important” computer science significance.

U.S. Navy Admiral Samuel Paparo Says Bitcoin PoW Technology Enhances Cybersecurity, Supports National Security

Abstract: U.S. Navy Admiral Samuel Paparo told a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing that Bitcoin's proof-of-work is a valuable computer science tool with important cybersecurity applications, capable of increasing the cost of cyberattacks and protecting data and command signals, thereby supporting national security. The piece notes echoes of Jason Lowery's 2023 warnings about Bitcoin's security implications. Summary: Admiral Paparo told Congress that Bitcoin's proof-of-work enhances cybersecurity and national security by deterring attacks and protecting data, a view aligned with Jason Lowery's 2023 remarks.

Ripple CEO praises SEC’s new direction, and U.S. crypto regulation enters a reset mode

Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse publicly praised the regulatory shift driven by the newly appointed Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) chair, Paul Atkins, on April 20, describing it as “a refreshing breath of sanity that helps people regain their composure.” Garlinghouse viewed the SEC’s policy pivot as the key driver behind an improvement in sentiment across the U.S. crypto market.

Scammers Impersonating Iranian Authorities Demand Bitcoin and USDT as Strait Passage Fees; At Least One Vessel Attacked After Payment

Gate News message, April 22 — Scammers posing as Iranian authorities are demanding cryptocurrency payments in Bitcoin or USDT from shipping companies in exchange for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, according to CoinDesk. Greek maritime risk firm Marisks has issued a warning that

Bitcoin rebounds to $76k, with Trump extending the Iran ceasefire to ease geopolitical pressure temporarily

U.S. President Trump announced on April 22 that the ceasefire deadline with Iran would be extended. At the request of Pakistan’s Army Chief of Staff and Prime Minister, the U.S. will wait for Iran to submit a unified proposal before moving forward, while continuing to maintain the naval blockade and keeping its forces on standby. Iran refused to attend the next round of negotiations originally scheduled to take place in Islamabad, and the Strait of Hormuz has closed again. Bitcoin rebounded to $76,000, and analyst DonAlt views this as a key early warning level that determines the direction of the market outlook going forward.