Bitcoin enters a 150-day danger zone as Trump pivots to a 1974 trade law the Supreme Court hasn’t touched yet

Bitcoin is trading sideways around $68,000 following a Supreme Court ruling that narrowed the President's authority to impose broad tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) of 1977. In response, the Trump administration pivoted to citing Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, which allows for a 15% tariff for up to 150 days under specific balance-of-payments conditions. This legal shift creates market suspense because the resulting tariff tax creates conflicting macro signals: it could push inflation up, tightening financial conditions and pressuring Bitcoin, or it could signal a growth scare leading to expectations of easier policy and supporting liquidity. The 150-day timer compresses uncertainty, which can lead to volatile reactions as markets await clarity on inflation, growth data, and the Federal Reserve's response. Furthermore, uncertainty remains regarding the $133 billion in tariffs already collected under the now-limited IEEPA framework, as refunds or litigation could prolong uncertainty outside the courtroom. Traders are watching yields, the dollar, and equity spreads to gauge which macro narrative—inflation risk or growth risk—will dominate.

(Source：CryptoSlate)