Introduction
Just when it looked like bipartisan magic might bless Capitol Hill, a red, white, and meme-colored curveball derailed it. While President Trump GENIUS Act—a bill designed to regulate stablecoins—was gaining rare support across party lines. That is, until Trump’s very own meme coin, $TRUMP, decided to go full moon.
The crypto space was gearing up for a potential regulatory breakthrough. But instead, senators hit the brakes, spooked by what they called a glaring conflict of interest: the president personally profiting from the very digital assets his administration is trying to legislate.
Lawmakers Say: Too Much Coin, Not Enough Clarity
And let’s talk numbers now. The GENIUS Act needed 60 votes to make it to the Senate floor. It got 48 yeses, 49 nays, and three senators apparently ghosted. What happened?
It wasn’t just partisan politics—it was the meme coin madness. Meanwhile president Trump’s $TRUMP token skyrocketed after offering holders a chance to dine with him and tour the White House. And yes, Melania launched her own token too, because why not turn the executive branch into a limited-edition NFT drop?
Senator Jeff Merkley didn’t mince words. “This is a profoundly corrupt scheme” he declared. Others, like Sen. Blumenthal, labeled it “pay-for-play” and even called for an investigation into the Trump-linked World Liberty Financial, which conveniently rolled out a stablecoin just as the administration was promoting looser regulations.
Trump’s illegal profits from crypto ventures—$Trump & World Liberty Financial—have already made him $100’s of millions, putting a “For Sale” sign on the White House in “pay to play” deals. These illicit gains violate at least the Constitution’s Emoluments Clause.
— Richard Blumenthal (@SenBlumenthal) May 11, 2025
Enter: The “End Crypto Corruption Act” For Trump
With their eyebrows permanently raised, Senate Democrats introduced the “End Crypto Corruption Act,” co-authored by Chuck Schumer and Merkley. Its mission? Ban elected officials and their inner circles from issuing or endorsing crypto assets.
Apparently, it’s not ideal to run a nation and a meme coin fan club at the same time.
But the real kicker came when four Democrats who had originally supported the GENIUS Act backed out last minute, citing concerns over money laundering, foreign involvement, and national security. One of them, Sen. Lisa Blunt Rochester, openly accused the Trump family of “ongoing self-dealing.” Yikes.
Meanwhile in the Crypto Trenches: Frustration Mounts
Not everyone’s cheering. Crypto insiders who supported Trump’s return in hopes of a regulatory breakthrough are now left fuming. While many had high hopes that this administration would fast-track friendly legislation after years of gridlock under Biden.
But as fintech founder Ryan Gilbert put it bluntly, “It’s unfortunate that personal business is getting in the way of good policy.”
The crypto industry has poured millions into lobbying, campaign donations, and electing industry-friendly lawmakers. But now, thanks to some meme coin hijinks, their biggest opportunity just tripped over its own shoelaces.
The Takeaway: Trump Crypto Policy or Meme Coin Promotion?
As Senate leaders regroup, the question remains: can serious crypto policy survive the spectacle of a meme coin presidency? Or is the White House just one NFT giveaway away from complete regulatory collapse?
For now, the message from Congress is clear: if you want to pass a bill, maybe don’t invite holders of your token to dinner at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.
Because when personal profits start to mix with public policy, even your own party might swipe left.
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