US Senator Elizabeth Warren, alongside Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ron Wyden, has urged the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) to investigate potential conflicts of interest tied to the Trump family’s cryptocurrency ventures. In a letter sent to OCC head Jonathan Gould, the senators expressed concerns that the OCC, now overseeing stablecoins under the recently passed GENIUS Act, might allow undue influence from Trump’s personal business interests to affect the stability of the financial system.
The senators specifically questioned how the OCC plans to regulate stablecoins, especially USD1, a stablecoin launched by World Liberty Financial, a platform linked to the Trump family. The senators argue that Trump’s financial interests are deeply connected to the success of USD1, which could lead to significant conflicts of interest.
Reminder: Trump is pushing for crypto legislation to keep lining his own pocket.
President Bush's former ethics lawyer says we have never had a president since the Civil War with such a conflict of interest.
We should not pass any crypto legislation without shutting this down. pic.twitter.com/GIIv9UapZc— Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren) July 10, 2025
Senators call for investigation into Trump family’s crypto business ties
The senators highlighted USD1’s central role in a $2 billion deal involving the Emirati firm MGX and Binance, using the stablecoin to facilitate investments. The controversy surrounding this deal has escalated as Binance, which has faced legal issues in the US, also played a role in developing the stablecoin’s code. The senators view this as a potential model for corruption, calling attention to the intersection of Trump’s business dealings and financial gain through the stablecoin’s success.
In the letter, the senators expressed their concerns about the unprecedented nature of such conflicts, given that the stablecoin is directly tied to a sitting president. They also demanded transparency from the OCC, asking whether Gould would step down if pressured and whether the OCC would launch an investigation into other crypto firms tied to World Liberty Financial.
Trump’s growing crypto holdings and concerns over influence
Trump’s personal wealth is closely tied to his crypto investments, with Bloomberg’s Billionaires Index estimating that his stock in TMTG, linked to his cryptocurrency ventures, represents a significant portion of his fortune. Industry figures, including those within the crypto space, have voiced concerns that this overlap between Trump’s political influence and financial exposure to crypto markets could create a significant conflict of interest.
The letter concludes with a call for clarity and investigation into the Trump family’s involvement in the crypto market, with the senators requesting responses from the OCC by August 14. The focus on transparency comes at a time when Trump’s crypto assets, including holdings in USD1, have raised concerns about undue influence over US financial and regulatory frameworks.