Bitcoin Hit $90,000 on 3 January 2026 Amid Venezuela Tensions: What Happened Next
On 3 January 2026 the US struck Venezuela and captured Nicolás Maduro. Bitcoin briefly dipped below $90,000 and recovered. Here is what followed.
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Update 26 September 2026: The tensions described below turned into a military intervention the same day: on 3 January 2026 the US struck Venezuela and captured President Nicolás Maduro, who was flown to New York and indicted in federal court. Bitcoin lost $90,000 only briefly. According to CoinGecko daily data, it peaked at about $96,900 on 15 January, then fell to its 2026 low of about $58,600 on 1 July; it trades at about $84,200 on 26 September 2026. The January report follows as a dated snapshot.
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What happened after 3 January?
| Date | Bitcoin (CoinGecko, daily) |
|---|---|
| 3 January 2026 | brief dip below $90,000, then back above |
| 15 January 2026 (2026 high) | about $96,900 |
| 1 July 2026 (2026 low) | about $58,600 |
| 26 September 2026 | about $84,200 |
The slide in late January came from another front: US tariff threats against European countries over Greenland, covered in our report on the crypto crash of 20 January. How the year started is covered in crypto prices at the start of 2026, and current levels are in our Bitcoin price prediction.
The report from 3 January 2026
The crypto market continues to move higher, with $Bitcoin reaching the $90,000 level and pushing total crypto market capitalization upward. The broader market tone remains risk-on, supported by strong momentum and renewed capital inflows with the new year.
Crypto market cap in USD over the past week - TradingView
At the same time, geopolitical developments are adding another layer of uncertainty to global markets.
Venezuela War Adds a Geopolitical Catalyst
According to statements from Donald Trump, the United States has captured Nicolás Maduro and his wife and launched what were described as large-scale strikes against Venezuela. If tensions continue or escalate further, markets could increasingly price in geopolitical risk.
Historically, periods of conflict and capital controls have pushed individuals and businesses toward alternative financial systems. In such environments, cryptocurrencies are often viewed as a hedge against instability, currency restrictions, and disrupted banking access.
How Markets Could React Next
If the situation in Venezuela worsens:
- Crypto demand could increase, particularly in regions facing currency or banking stress
- Bitcoin may benefit as a neutral, borderless asset, especially during heightened uncertainty
- Volatility is likely to rise, with fast reactions across risk assets
Combined with already strong momentum, geopolitical stress could act as an additional short-term tailwind for crypto prices.
Buy Bitcoin: Providers ComparedTransparency note: This article was produced with the assistance of artificial intelligence and reviewed by our editorial team before publication. All figures and claims were checked against the primary sources linked in the text. The feature image was generated with AI.
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