Why Is Bitcoin Up Today?

Bitcoin surged 5.5% on August 19, 2026, as President Trump met with crypto executives from Coinbase Global, Payward, and Blockchain.com at the White House, alongside SEC Chair Paul Atkins and CFTC Chair Mike Selig. The meeting sparked investor optimism about potential regulatory clarity and congressional movement on the stalled Clarity Act, with the SEC having already proposed favorable rule changes the previous day.