Crypto Markets Tick Up Following Supreme Court Tariff Ruling
The Defiant
by Jona JaupiFebruary 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Crypto markets showed modest gains on Friday, Feb. 20, as traders digested the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to invalidate President Donald Trump’s emergency tariffs. Bitcoin (BTC) climbed to around $67,728, reflecting a 1.2% increase over the past 24 hours, while Ethereum (ETH) rose by 1.5% to $1,970. Other major cryptocurrencies also saw positive movement, with XRP up 1.5% to $1.43, BNB climbing 3.2% to $625, and Solana (SOL) gaining 4% to $85. The broader crypto market capitalization hovered near $2.4 trillion, marking a 1.3% increase for the day, with daily trading volume reaching approximately $114.5 billion, according to CoinGecko.
The Supreme Court’s ruling on Trump’s 10% global tariff plan has sparked optimism among investors, as the decision eliminates potential challenges to cross-border trade and financial transactions. Crypto markets, particularly those in decentralized finance (DeFi) and Web3, have long been viewed as alternative solutions for mitigating tariffs and enhancing liquidity. The ruling is seen as a positive development for cryptocurrencies, which often thrive on regulatory clarity and reduced barriers to international trade.
For crypto enthusiasts and DeFi investors, this news underscores the growing interplay between traditional financial policies and digital assets. The ruling may also encourage further adoption of blockchain technology in cross-border transactions, where fees and delays are frequently cited as pain points. As crypto markets continue to evolve, such regulatory developments will likely play a pivotal role in shaping their
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Originally published on The Defiant on 2/20/2026