2025 Crypto Year in Review, Part 1: Shit Talking Edition - Ep. 990 - Unchained Recap

Podcast: Unchained

Published: 2025-12-26

Duration: 1 hr 5 min

Guests: Doug Colkitt

Summary

In 2025, the crypto landscape saw surprising developments like world leaders launching memecoins and major financial events such as Circle's IPO. This episode dives into these events with humor and insight.

What Happened

The episode kicks off with a surprising revelation that former President Donald Trump and Melania Trump launched memecoins on Solana, causing a significant surge in the blockchain's value. This unexpected move by the Trumps is seen as a bold step, with Melania's involvement particularly surprising to the crypto community.

Hayden Davis, a former dropshipper, managed to collaborate with world leaders to launch controversial coins like LibraCoin, which faced legal scrutiny. Davis's transition from e-commerce to influencing global crypto markets highlights the unpredictable nature of the industry.

The Bybit hack, described as the largest in history, involved a $2 billion breach that could have been prevented by a simple test transaction. The hack's aftermath was handled transparently by Bybit's CEO, who live-streamed their response, earning praise for the approach.

Trump's involvement in the crypto space extended beyond memecoins, as his tweet about XRP and other cryptocurrencies allegedly influenced by Ripple lobbyists stirred the community. This illustrates the impact of political figures on the crypto market.

Hyperliquid emerged as a significant player in 2025, despite controversies over centralization and bridge security. Its revenue model is considered a paradigm shift, redefining how success is measured in the crypto industry.

Ethereum's resurgence in 2025 is attributed to new leadership and community sentiment, partially sparked by reforms within the Ethereum Foundation. This comeback challenges other blockchains and reinforces Ethereum's position in the market.

Circle's IPO caught the crypto community off guard, initially soaring to $263 before settling at $84. The IPO's trajectory reflects the volatile nature of crypto investments and its impact on industry players like Arthur Hayes.

Robinhood's decision to launch its own blockchain, choosing Ethereum's L2 over Solana, sparked controversy and showcased the platform's bold approach to entering the crypto space. This move signifies a strategic shift in how traditional platforms engage with blockchain technology.

Key Insights