Bitcoin price crash today — The crypto market is facing its darkest hour since the 2024 election as Bitcoin (BTC) plummeted to a 15-month low of $72,877 early Wednesday. The devastating sell-off has officially erased all gains made since President Trump's victory in November 2024, signaling a chaotic end to the so-called 'Trump trade.' The sharp decline was fueled by a fresh wave of panic selling that saw over $2.5 billion liquidated in hours, compounding the structural damage from the massive $19 billion leverage wipeout that rocked markets last October.

Trump Crypto Rally Over: Bitcoin Hits 15-Month Low

The euphoria that defined the post-election period has completely evaporated. After peaking at an all-time high of nearly $126,000 in October 2025, Bitcoin has been in a relentless downtrend, culminating in this week's brutal collapse. The drop below the psychological $73,000 support level marks a critical turning point, as this was the price floor many analysts believed would hold the bull market together.

Market data confirms that Bitcoin election gains erased are now a reality. Investors who bought into the 'crypto-friendly' administration narrative are now underwater, with the asset trading at levels not seen since the days leading up to the 2024 election. The breakdown is being driven by a perfect storm of macroeconomic headwinds, including the nomination of Kevin Warsh as Federal Reserve Chair, which has sparked fears of tighter monetary policy.

Why Is Crypto Falling Today?

The immediate trigger for the crash was a 'risk-off' shift in global markets, but the underlying causes are deep-rooted. A massive deleveraging event is underway, reminiscent of the $19 billion in leveraged liquidations that shattered market confidence in late 2025. While that historic October event set the stage, this week's fresh sell-off was accelerated by:

  • Tech Sector Contagion: A severe correction in major tech stocks like Nvidia and Microsoft has spilled over into crypto, as institutional investors rush to cover margin calls.
  • Tariff Jitters: President Trump's renewed threats of tariffs on imports have rattled global trade, strengthening the dollar and punishing risk assets like Bitcoin.
  • Geopolitical Tensions: Escalating instability in the Middle East has failed to bid up 'digital gold,' with capital instead fleeing to traditional safe havens like U.S. Treasuries.

BTC Liquidations February 2026: The Numbers

Data from Coinglass reveals the extent of the carnage. In the last 24 hours alone, over $2.56 billion in long positions were forcibly closed, creating a cascading effect that pushed prices lower. This BTC liquidations February 2026 event has disproportionately hit retail traders who were betting on a rebound.

"The market structure is incredibly fragile right now," notes a senior analyst at FalconX. "We are seeing a capitulation of the late longs. The $19 billion wipeout in October left the market with no liquidity depth, so when selling started this week, there were no bids to catch the falling knife."

Bitcoin Support Levels 2026: How Low Can It Go?

With the $72,000 floor effectively breached, traders are scrambling to identify the next line of defense. Technical analysis suggests that the next major support zone lies between $60,000 and $55,000. If Bitcoin support levels 2026 fail to hold at these ranges, the market could be looking at a prolonged 'crypto winter' scenario.

Critical Watch Zones

Bulls must now reclaim the $74,500 level to stabilize sentiment. However, with the Fear & Greed Index flashing 'Extreme Fear' and institutional inflows into Spot ETFs drying up, the path of least resistance remains to the downside. The $55,000 mark represents a historical accumulation zone from early 2024, which may serve as the ultimate backstop for this correction.

Crypto Market News Now: Is the Bull Run Over?

The prevailing sentiment has shifted from 'buy the dip' to 'sell the rally.' The narrative of Bitcoin as a hedge against inflation and political uncertainty is being severely tested. For now, the crypto market news now is dominated by caution. Investors are advised to brace for continued volatility as the market digests the end of the Trump-era hype cycle and searches for a new equilibrium in a high-rate, risk-averse environment.