Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and Rep. Sam Liccardo (D-Calif.) introduced the **MEME Act** to ban federal officials from profiting via meme coins tied to their office, targeting figures like former President Trump, who launched a meme coin offering perks to supporters. Murphy called Trump’s venture “the most corrupt act by a president,” alleging ethics violations. Meanwhile, Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Calif.) blocked a bipartisan crypto hearing, opting for a “shadow hearing” focused on Trump’s crypto dealings, accusing Republicans of ignoring conflicts. The bill reflects Democratic efforts to modernize ethics laws as Trump pushes U.S. crypto dominance, exposing tensions between regulating corruption and fostering innovation.
