Why Did BlackRock Sell Crypto Just Before Trump Spoke?

BlackRock and Wintermute sold BTC and ETH hours before Trump’s speech as crypto markets saw rising volatility and volume.

BlackRock reduced exposure to Bitcoin and Ethereum hours before a scheduled speech by former U.S. President Donald Trump.

Blockchain data and market trackers show that millions of dollars in BTC and ETH were sold ahead of the economic address. The timing drew attention across crypto markets as traders monitored volatility.

BlackRock Adjusts BTC and ETH Positions Before Speech

On-chain data indicates that BlackRock-linked wallets moved and sold millions in Bitcoin and Ethereum before the speech.

The transactions occurred within hours of the public remarks on economic policy. Market participants tracked the flows using blockchain analytics platforms.

🚨 BREAKING:

BLACKROCK HAS SOLD MILLIONS IN $BTC AND $ETH JUST HOURS BEFORE TRUMP’S SPEECH.

ARE THEY ANTICIPATING MARKET TURBULENCE — OR POSITIONING FOR WHAT’S NEXT? pic.twitter.com/kPtaJkT0Uw

— Mr. Crypto Whale 🐋 (@Mrcryptoxwhale) February 19, 2026

BlackRock manages spot Bitcoin and Ethereum exchange-traded funds in the United States. The firm often rebalances holdings based on inflows and outflows.

ETF-related activity can lead to large transactions on-chain and on exchanges.

There was no public statement from BlackRock linking the trades to the speech.

The firm has not announced a strategy change tied to political events. The sales were recorded through routine market tracking tools.

Wintermute Activity Adds to Market Pressure

Market maker Wintermute also moved large amounts of BTC and ETH during the same period.

On-chain data showed tokens being transferred to exchanges. Analysts said such moves can precede liquidity adjustments or hedging activity.

🚨 BREAKING

WINTERMUTE IS NON-STOP DUMPING MILLIONS IN $BTC AND $ETH TO LIQUIDATE LONGS AHEAD OF TRUMP’S ECONOMY ANNOUNCEMENT!

IS THIS EVEN LEGAL?? https://t.co/Wl1tVzWnC9 pic.twitter.com/2u7VueiEtH

— Wimar.X (@DefiWimar) February 19, 2026

Wintermute provides liquidity across centralized and decentralized platforms.

Market makers often adjust positions before major announcements. These actions can reduce exposure during periods of expected volatility.

Some social media posts questioned whether the coordinated timing raised legal concerns. No regulator has announced an investigation.

Trading before public speeches is not unlawful unless it involves non-public material information.

**Related Reading: **BlackRock Updates Staked Ethereum ETF, Targets 18% Rewards

Market Reaction and Broader Crypto Context

Bitcoin and Ethereum experienced short-term price swings during and after the speech.

Traders cited uncertainty around economic policy and interest rate direction. Volatility increased across major exchanges during the event window.

Crypto markets often react to macroeconomic speeches. Statements related to inflation, rates, or fiscal policy can shift risk appetite.

Institutional desks may reposition in advance of such events. Data from market trackers showed mixed performance across timeframes.

Bitcoin and Ethereum both saw increased trading volume. The episode reflects how institutional flows and political events intersect in digital asset markets.

BlackRock and Wintermute have not confirmed the motive behind the transactions.

The trades occurred before a high-profile economic address, and market participants continue to analyze the timing.