Senator Elizabeth Warren is concerned that political interference is driving the SEC’s latest crypto decisions. Paul Atkins, the newly appointed Chairman of the SEC, has promised to prioritize clear and transparent regulatory frameworks for the crypto industry.
His pledge marks a significant shift in direction for the agency following years of controversy.
Paul Atkins Charts New Course for Crypto Regulation at SEC
During an April 25 roundtable organized by the SEC’s crypto task force, Atkins stressed the urgent need for transparent rules to support innovation and responsible growth.
“This is important work as entrepreneurs across the United States are harnessing blockchain technology to modernize aspects of our financial system. I expect hug benefits from this market innovation for efficiency, cost reduction, transparency, and risk mitigation. Market participants engaging with this technology deserve clear regulatory rules of the road,” Atkins stated.
Meanwhile, Atkins openly criticized the SEC’s previous leadership under former Chairman Gary Gensler. He stated that a lack of clear policy stifled industry development and pushed key players to the edge.
Under Gensler, the SEC pursued an aggressive enforcement strategy, filing lawsuits against major players including Coinbase, Ripple, and Binance.
Now, Atkins has vowed to correct past missteps. He committed to working closely with Congress and President Donald Trump to create a regulatory structure that fits the unique characteristics of digital assets.
Early signs of this shift are already visible, with the SEC beginning to dismiss several enforcement actions initiated during the previous administration. The Commission has also established a dedicated crypto task force to collaborate with industry stakeholders on shaping future policy.
US Lawmaker Raises Alarms Over Potential Political Interference
While Atkins seeks to reset the SEC’s approach to crypto oversight, concerns are mounting over the agency’s independence.
On April 25, Senator Elizabeth Warren seriously questioned the agency’s independence under President Trump’s leadership. She pointed to Trump Media & Technology Group’s (TMTG) efforts to launch crypto-backed ETFs with Crypto.com as a potential conflict of interest.
The senator expressed particular concern that Trump could personally benefit from products requiring SEC approval, describing the situation as an unprecedented ethical risk.
“The President has attempted to assert his dominance over decision-making at independent agencies like the SEC through executive orders and firings, putting further pressure on the Commission to fall in line,” the lawmaker stated.
Warren also flagged risks linked to World Liberty Financial, a crypto project tied to Trump’s family, which recently revealed plans for a new stablecoin.
She emphasized that pending legislation may soon give the Federal Reserve and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency more oversight powers. Trump reportedly seeks greater control over these two agencies.
Given these risks, Warren requested detailed records from the SEC, including internal assessments and communications with the White House.
She stressed that these measures are necessary to safeguard decision-making and maintain the credibility of financial markets.
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