Bitcoin slides to $74K as Warsh fuels rate hike fears

• Bitcoin falls to $74,190, its lowest in a month, after Kevin Warsh is sworn in as Fed Chair.
• Rate hike expectations and surging Treasury yields spark rapid risk-off moves in BTC.

On May 24, 2026 (UTC), Cointelegraph reported that Bitcoin plunged to $74,190—its lowest in a month—after Kevin Warsh, a pro-crypto but well-known inflation hawk, was sworn in as Federal Reserve chair. Investors responded to surging short-term U.S. Treasury yields and sticky inflation by pricing in fewer Fed rate cuts this year and even raising odds of a December hike. Warsh’s favorable crypto stance was not enough to halt a rapid sell-off, as his reputation stoked fears of tighter monetary policy.

The market’s move mirrors historic trends during Federal Reserve transitions. Traders quickly de-risked, overshadowing hopes for improved crypto regulation under Warsh. Instead, expectations for stricter policy heightened caution toward risk assets—Bitcoin took the brunt, selling off sharply alongside higher bond yields.

Bitcoin’s slide reflects persistent concerns that inflation and Fed tightening will pressure riskier holdings. As in previous Fed leadership changes, the prospect of more aggressive monetary policy led investors to reduce exposure.

As of May 24, 2026, 15:09 UTC, Bitcoin (BTC) is trading at $76,351.96, with a 1.12% uptick in 24-hour trading volume, according to CoinMarketCap.