Caroline Crenshaw’s renomination to the SEC was blocked after the crypto industry campaigned against her due to her critical stance on digital assets. With her term ending soon, the industry hopes President Trump will push for crypto-friendly replacements, such as Chris Brummer or Jai Messai, in the new Congress.
Caroline Crenshaw, a Democrat who is not supportive of crypto, had her reappointment to the SEC canceled. The Senate Banking Committee canceled the vote after significant pressure from the crypto industry, which urged Senate Democrats to stop her due to her negative views on cryptocurrency.
Crypto industry blocks Crenshaw’s renomination
Crenshaw, who was nominated by President Trump and confirmed during his first term, now faces uncertainty about her future at the SEC. If President Biden had renominated her, she would have likely stayed for another five years.
However, her critical views on crypto, especially her role in cracking down on the $3 trillion digital asset industry have become hurdles in her way to returning to her role. It became a major issue as the crypto industry, which had a major influence on President-elect Donald Trump’s election victory, used its political influence to prevent her renomination.
Major figures in the crypto industry, including Tyler Winklevoss from the Gemini exchange, campaigned against Crenshaw’s renomination. They argued that her stance was blocking innovation in the U.S., and with millions of crypto supporters backing the movement, it could be a pressure on Senate Democrats.
The Senate Banking Committee, controlled by Democrats, had planned to vote on her nomination, but the vote was delayed due to limited time before the end of the current Congressional session.
Crenshaw still holds her position at the SEC, but her term will likely end soon unless President Trump renominates her when he takes office in January. However, since Trump has strong support from the crypto community and wants to reverse some of Biden’s policies, it’s unlikely she will stay in her role under his leadership.
Who could replace Crenshaw?
As the Senate prepares for the new Congress, the crypto industry is already considering possible replacements for Crenshaw. Some names being discussed include Georgetown law professor Chris Brummer, Jai Messai from Lightspark, and former SEC lawyer TuongVy Le.
These candidates are seen as more supportive of digital assets and bring hope for clearer regulations.
The cancellation of Crenshaw’s renomination vote shows how much influence the crypto industry has in Washington, D.C. In the coming months, it will become clear if her time at the SEC is over and if President Trump will push for candidates who support crypto to replace her.
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