Financial markets have entered another period where political messaging drives price action faster than fundamentals can react. Sudden volatility has returned across risk assets, and cryptocurrencies have once again found themselves reacting to geopolitical headlines rather than internal catalysts.
For seasoned market participants, this environment feels familiar and often signals the start of a broader macro-driven adjustment phase.
That backdrop shaped recent commentary from Levi Rietveld, who shared a video on X addressing the abrupt downturn across the crypto market. His remarks followed a sharp move lower in Bitcoin and XRP, prompting renewed discussion about how U.S. trade policy rhetoric continues to influence digital asset prices.
The Trump XRP Playbook Has Officially Begun! (Please Prepare Now) pic.twitter.com/IoYSlj9yfz
— Levi | Crypto Crusaders (@LeviRietveld) January 25, 2026
Geopolitical Pressure Triggers Market Sell-Off
Rietveld attributed the sudden correction to renewed tariff-related tensions involving U.S. President Donald Trump and Canada. He explained that fresh tariff threats, combined with warnings over Canada’s trade relations with China, reignited geopolitical uncertainty.
“Bitcoin just fell below 88,000, and XRP also saw a very sharp correction,” Rietveld said, describing the move as rapid and aggressive. He emphasized that the size and speed of the red candles pointed to institutional selling rather than retail-driven panic. According to his analysis, large market participants reduced exposure as geopolitical risk escalated.
XRP Follows Bitcoin’s Lead
As Bitcoin moved lower, XRP quickly reflected the shift in sentiment. Rietveld noted that XRP traded down to around $1.85 during the sell-off, reinforcing its sensitivity to macro-driven moves. “Bitcoin leads the market, and we’re seeing this impact on XRP as well,” he said, highlighting the dominant role Bitcoin continues to play in broader crypto price discovery.
This correlation aligns with historical behavior, where Bitcoin absorbs initial shocks before altcoins follow through with amplified volatility.
We are on X, follow us to connect with us :- @TimesTabloid1
— TimesTabloid (@TimesTabloid1) June 15, 2025
The “Trump Playbook” in Motion
Rietveld framed the episode as part of a recurring political and market cycle. “The political theater is starting to come into effect much like it has many times previously,” he explained. He described a pattern in which tariff threats raise tensions, trigger market pullbacks, and eventually push all sides toward negotiation.
He added, “This is essentially what happens every single time,” suggesting that markets often overreact during the uncertainty phase before stabilizing once diplomatic engagement begins.
What Investors Are Watching Next
Despite the short-term pressure, XRP’s broader fundamentals remain intact. The asset now operates in a cleaner regulatory environment following the resolution of Ripple’s legal battle with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. However, macro events continue to exert outsized influence during periods of heightened geopolitical risk.
Rietveld’s commentary does not frame the move as structural damage but as part of a familiar macro-driven sequence. As geopolitical signals evolve, traders continue to watch for signs of de-escalation, which historically mark the transition from volatility to recovery.
Disclaimer: This content is meant to inform and should not be considered financial advice. The views expressed in this article may include the author’s personal opinions and do not represent Times Tabloid’s opinion. Readers are urged to do in-depth research before making any investment decisions. Any action taken by the reader is strictly at their own risk. Times Tabloid is not responsible for any financial losses.
Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Telegram, and Google News
