Bitcoin hits new highs nearing $112,000 as a high-profile crypto dinner hosted by Donald Trump captures market attention.

The cryptocurrency world is abuzz once again. Bitcoin (BTC) has surged to fresh all-time highs, closing in on the $112,000 mark. This recent rally intriguingly coincides with a private dinner hosted by former President Donald Trump for the top holders of his “TRUMP” meme coin. The event has, quite understandably, stirred a lot of chatter about how political influence might be shaping the digital asset landscape right now.

On Thursday, May 22, 2025, Bitcoin reached an eye-popping peak of $111,862.98. That’s about a 3.3% jump from the day before, signaling that bullish momentum is pretty strong at the moment. The world’s largest cryptocurrency by market cap has been steadily pushing past psychological barriers, recently breaking above $110,000 with no small amount of confidence.

To give a quick snapshot:

So, what’s behind this upward push? Analysts point to a few big factors. There’s been a noticeable surge in institutional demand, with roughly $4.2 billion flowing into US Bitcoin ETFs just in May alone. Then, there’s the progress on stablecoin regulations in the US Senate, which seems to be giving investors a bit more confidence—regulatory clarity often has that effect, even if it’s not guaranteed.

The real headline-grabber, though, is the private dinner hosted by Donald Trump at his Trump National Golf Club in Potomac Falls, Virginia. This dinner, held on May 22, brought together the top 220 holders of the “$TRUMP” meme coin. According to the coin’s website, it’s billed as “the most exclusive invitation in the world.” And the top 25 holders? They get an ultra-exclusive VIP reception with Trump himself, plus a VIP tour of the White House.

The “$TRUMP” coin saw a striking surge—over 70%—right after the dinner announcement, though it’s still shy of its January peak. For a bit of context, the coin was launched just before Trump’s inauguration, and it’s now valued at about $2.87 billion.

Some quick details:

Interestingly, Trump’s stance on cryptocurrency has shifted over time. While he called Bitcoin a “scam” during his first term, he’s since warmed up considerably. After winning the 2024 election, he even announced plans to create a national strategic crypto reserve, including Bitcoin and Ethereum, aiming to position the US as the “crypto capital of the world.” This pivot has been broadly seen as bullish, or at least supportive, for the crypto space.

What’s striking here is how Bitcoin, once thought of as a somewhat apolitical asset, is now clearly being swayed by political figures and regulatory developments. The market seems to respond not just to tech or economic factors but to government policies and statements from big names.

Some key points:

Of course, this intersection raises eyebrows too. Critics worry about conflicts of interest, especially when politicians promote coins directly tied to events like this dinner. The connection between the “$TRUMP” coin and Trump’s involvement naturally fuels debates about how much such moves might sway market behavior or investor trust.

As for where Bitcoin might be headed next, analysts are watching closely. The technical indicators show ongoing bullish pressure, though the Relative Strength Index (RSI) suggests Bitcoin is somewhat overbought, meaning a bit of consolidation could happen soon. Key resistance points are pegged at $112,000 and $115,000, and if Bitcoin can hold above the $107,000-$110,000 range, it might well push toward that $115,000 mark.

Beyond the immediate horizon, the bigger trend still looks upward. Polymarket bettors forecast a roughly 38% chance Bitcoin hits $110,000 by the end of May. Looking further ahead, hitting $150,000 in 2025 is still on the table—especially since the next Bitcoin halving, which cuts miner rewards, tends to spark price surges in the following year.

The blending of traditional finance with crypto, ongoing regulatory talks, and political figures’ public positions will all keep shaping Bitcoin’s journey. It’s becoming clear that Bitcoin’s future isn’t just about the tech or markets—policy and public perception are now equally crucial players in the game.