Bitcoin (BTC) experienced a decline of 2.2% on February 18, 2026, trading at approximately $66,446 at the time of this report. This drop has pushed the cryptocurrency”s fear-and-greed index down to 12 out of 100, indicating a state of extreme fear among investors, according to CoinMarketCap.
Despite the current bearish sentiment, notable figures in the cryptocurrency space are optimistic about Bitcoin“s future. Eric Trump, speaking at the World Liberty Financial (WLF) forum in Palm Beach, expressed his bullish outlook, predicting that Bitcoin could reach $1 million by 2026. He acknowledged the inherent volatility in the market but emphasized the significant upside potential. “I do think it hits $1 million… You”re going to have volatility with something that has tremendous upside,” Trump stated.
Brian Armstrong, CEO of Coinbase, shared similar views during the same forum. He suggested that the recent fluctuations in Bitcoin”s price are largely driven by psychological factors rather than solid fundamentals. Armstrong pointed out that fears surrounding quantum computing and uncertainties about Federal Reserve leadership have contributed to the current atmosphere of concern. Nonetheless, he affirmed that Coinbase plans to continue accumulating Bitcoin for long-term benefits, noting that BTC has been the best-performing asset over the past decade.
Arthur Hayes, co-founder and former CEO of BitMEX, also weighed in on the situation through a Substack essay. He noted his indifference to Bitcoin”s significant price drop from $126,000 to below $65,000, casually remarking, “This is Fine.” While he is not as bullish as Trump, Hayes remains confident that Bitcoin could see prices surge to between $500,000 and $750,000 by the end of the year.
In his analysis, Hayes introduced the concept of the “fiat liquidity fire alarm.” He suggested that substantial layoffs driven by artificial intelligence and increasing tariffs could prompt a federal bailout to prevent an economic crisis akin to that of 2008. This potential quantitative easing might significantly boost liquidity, pushing Bitcoin to new all-time highs.
The broader market dynamics will undoubtedly influence Bitcoin”s price in the coming months. Key events, such as changes in Federal Reserve leadership and the implications of the Clarity Act, are likely to shape market volatility and investor sentiment.
