The meme coin PEPE, inspired by the iconic Pepe the Frog internet meme, surged 42% on November 13 amid a broader cryptocurrency market rally. This sharp rise followed the relisting of PEPE on two major U.S. trading platforms—Coinbase and Robinhood—marking a pivotal moment for meme-based digital assets in mainstream finance.
As the crypto market cooled slightly from earlier volatility, PEPE’s momentum defied trends, driven by renewed investor confidence and strategic exchange support. The surge coincided with shifting political winds in the United States, where pro-crypto sentiment is gaining traction at the highest levels of government.
👉 Discover how major exchanges are reshaping the future of meme coins.
Robinhood Reverses Course on Major Cryptos
Robinhood’s U.S. division announced it had relisted several key cryptocurrencies, including Cardano (ADA), Solana (SOL), and Ripple (XRP), while simultaneously adding trading support for PEPE. This move reverses decisions made years prior, when regulatory uncertainty prompted the platform to delist these assets.
XRP was originally removed in 2020 amid an ongoing legal battle between Ripple and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Similarly, ADA and SOL were pulled from trading in 2023 due to concerns over whether they qualified as unregistered securities under SEC guidelines.
Despite limited clarity from regulators on the classification of ADA and SOL, Robinhood’s decision reflects growing confidence in a more favorable regulatory environment. The shift suggests that market demand and evolving political dynamics may now outweigh caution driven by past enforcement actions.
Coinbase Adds PEPE to Spot Trading
In parallel, Coinbase, one of the largest and most influential crypto exchanges in the U.S., also listed PEPE for spot trading. As the only major exchange operating its own Ethereum Layer-2 network, Base, Coinbase’s endorsement carries significant weight in the Web3 ecosystem.
The listing was part of Coinbase’s broader initiative to increase transparency around new asset additions—a move aimed at building trust with retail and institutional investors alike. Following the announcement, PEPE reached a new all-time high, outperforming many established meme coins.
This dual listing across Robinhood and Coinbase signals a maturation in how meme tokens are perceived—not just as internet novelties, but as legitimate speculative assets with real trading volume and user engagement.
Political Shift Fuels Crypto Optimism
The timing of these listings aligns with a transformative shift in U.S. politics. Donald Trump, a self-proclaimed pro-Bitcoin Republican, won the 2025 presidential election, reigniting hopes for a more innovation-friendly regulatory framework.
Trump has publicly pledged to eliminate what he describes as “excessive and stifling” regulations on blockchain technology. Notably, he committed to removing SEC Chair Gary Gensler, widely seen as a major obstacle to crypto innovation due to his aggressive enforcement stance.
Even more impactful was Trump’s appointment of Elon Musk to lead a newly formed Department of Government Efficiency—dubbed “DOGE.” While not directly related to Dogecoin, the naming sparked widespread speculation about Musk’s potential influence on future crypto policy.
Musk, long known as a vocal supporter of Dogecoin and blockchain experimentation, could become a powerful advocate for decentralized technologies within the administration. His involvement has fueled optimism that the U.S. may soon adopt clearer, more supportive crypto regulations.
👉 See how policy changes could unlock the next wave of crypto growth.
Meme Coins Ride the Wave of Market Renewal
Trump’s victory triggered a broad rally across the cryptocurrency market, which briefly surpassed $3 trillion in total valuation. Meme coins, often dismissed as speculative fads, were among the top performers.
Beyond PEPE, other meme-based tokens saw significant gains as centralized exchanges like Binance and Coinbase expanded their listings to include more community-driven projects. This trend reflects a growing recognition that cultural relevance and grassroots adoption can drive real market value.
The resurgence of meme coins isn't just about hype—it's a signal of changing investor behavior. Retail traders are increasingly drawn to assets with strong online communities, viral narratives, and low entry barriers. Platforms like Robinhood and Coinbase are responding by integrating these tokens into their ecosystems, effectively legitimizing them.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Why did PEPE surge 42% on November 13?
A: The surge was primarily driven by its listing on major U.S. platforms Coinbase and Robinhood, combined with broader market optimism following Donald Trump’s election win and expectations of favorable crypto regulations.
Q: Is PEPE now available for trading in the U.S.?
A: Yes, PEPE is now listed for spot trading on both Coinbase and Robinhood’s U.S. platforms, making it accessible to millions of American retail investors.
Q: Why did Robinhood previously delist XRP, ADA, and SOL?
A: These tokens were removed due to regulatory concerns from the SEC regarding their classification as potential securities. Their relisting suggests improved confidence in future regulatory clarity.
Q: How did Trump’s election impact the crypto market?
A: Trump’s pro-innovation stance, promises to reform SEC leadership, and appointment of Elon Musk boosted investor confidence, contributing to a market rebound above $3 trillion.
Q: Does Coinbase operate its own blockchain network?
A: Yes, Coinbase launched Base, an Ethereum Layer-2 scaling solution designed to support fast, low-cost transactions for decentralized applications and token trading.
Q: Are meme coins becoming more accepted by mainstream platforms?
A: Increasingly yes—listings of PEPE and other community-driven tokens on top exchanges indicate growing institutional acceptance of meme coins as part of the broader digital asset landscape.
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Conclusion
The 42% surge in PEPE’s value is more than just a short-term price spike—it’s a reflection of deeper shifts in the crypto ecosystem. With major exchanges embracing meme coins, political leadership signaling regulatory reform, and retail interest at an all-time high, digital assets are entering a new phase of growth and legitimacy.
As platforms like Coinbase and Robinhood continue to expand their offerings, and as Washington reconsiders its approach to blockchain innovation, investors should pay close attention to how culture, technology, and policy converge to shape the future of finance.