Is the White House Planning New Crypto Regulations?

As the crypto market continues to evolve, so does Washington’s approach to regulating it. In a major policy update, the White House has called for a sweeping overhaul of the United States’ digital asset framework. 

This comes from a working group formed by President Donald Trump in early 2025 and represents the administration’s most detailed stance yet on how crypto should be governed at the federal level.

The key takeaway? The U.S. government wants to go beyond just recognizing crypto. It wants to shape its future. and quickly.

Key Takeaways

• The White House is urging Congress to pass comprehensive crypto legislation, building on the Clarity Act.
• The SEC and CFTC are being pushed to allow digital asset trading under federal oversight without delay.
• The report outlines a tailored disclosure regime for crypto securities and supports dual-function exchanges (trading and custody).
• Trump’s administration wants the CFTC to oversee spot markets and officially recognize DeFi’s potential.
• This marks a sharp contrast to the previous administration’s crackdown on exchanges like Coinbase and Binance.

A Shift in Crypto Regulation Philosophy

Since assuming office in January, President Trump has positioned himself as a "crypto president," advocating for clearer and more welcoming rules for digital assets. 

That promise is starting to materialize with the formation of a dedicated working group and now, this new policy direction.

The White House’s fact sheet, released ahead of a full report, signals a major shift from adversarial enforcement to structured support. 

Unlike the Biden administration, which actively pursued legal action against leading exchanges, Trump’s regulatory strategy is centered on enabling innovation within guardrails.

Read Also: The US is Planning a Gold-Bitcoin Reserve

At the core of this roadmap is a call for Congress to build upon the Clarity Act, which the House of Representatives recently passed. The Clarity Act aims to provide legal definitions and frameworks for digital assets, something industry leaders have long demanded.

Encouraging SEC and CFTC Action

Perhaps the most striking message in the report is the pressure on U.S. regulators, particularly the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), to take immediate steps.

The White House is encouraging the SEC to draft rules specifically for crypto assets rather than applying legacy securities law. 

At the same time, the CFTC is expected to be granted authority to oversee spot markets, an important role that would clarify who governs non-derivative crypto trading.

This is a clear push to streamline the regulatory maze that has long plagued crypto platforms trying to stay compliant.

Read Also: GENIUS Act's Impact on U.S. Crypto Leadership

DeFi and Stablecoins Recognized

Beyond traditional crypto platforms, the White House is also acknowledging the rise of decentralized finance (DeFi). Blockchain-based tools that eliminate the need for intermediaries are now being considered part of the broader financial future.

While the report does not specify regulatory mechanisms for DeFi yet, it suggests that Congress should begin crafting policies that accommodate its role in the economy.

Similarly, the administration has already taken concrete action with the GENIUS Act, a stablecoin law signed earlier this month that ensures all dollar-pegged tokens are fully backed and regulated under a federal framework. 

This provides stablecoins with a legitimate place in U.S. markets and sets the stage for wider adoption.

Crypto and the Campaign Trail

President Trump’s stance on crypto isn’t just regulatory, it’s also political. During the 2024 campaign, he actively courted crypto donors and publicly vowed to support innovation in the space. 

His administration is now delivering on that message with a strategic pivot from past enforcement-heavy tactics.

Cases against Binance, Coinbase, and others have been dropped, indicating a sharp contrast in regulatory tone and legal strategy.

What Comes Next?

The full report, expected to follow the fact sheet, will likely contain more technical detail and proposed legislative language. However, this early outline is already shaping conversations in both the crypto industry and on Capitol Hill.

Lawmakers will be debating whether to include the White House’s additional recommendations in the final version of the Clarity Act or other market structure bills. Topics up for discussion include:

• Dual-role crypto platforms that can both trade and custody assets
• Tailored disclosures for token issuers
• Broader oversight powers for the CFTC
• Official integration of DeFi into financial regulation

The direction is clear: the U.S. wants a more coordinated and supportive regulatory environment for crypto.

Read Also: White House to Release Comprehensive Crypto Policy

Final Thoughts

The Trump administration’s latest move on crypto regulation signals a turning point. No longer content with piecemeal enforcement or vague guidelines, the White House wants to create a comprehensive digital asset ecosystem under U.S. law.

While the road ahead still requires collaboration between Congress, regulators, and the private sector, this fact sheet lays the groundwork for a potentially transformative phase in American crypto policy.

Investors, builders, and policy watchers alike should prepare for a new chapter — one in which digital assets may finally get the regulatory clarity they’ve long been asking for.

FAQ

What is the Clarity Act?

The Clarity Act is a legislative bill that aims to define how digital assets are treated under U.S. law, particularly in regard to whether they are considered securities or commodities.

Is the SEC creating new rules for crypto?

Yes, the White House is encouraging the SEC to establish crypto-specific regulations instead of applying traditional securities laws to the industry.

What does the GENIUS Act cover?

The GENIUS Act is a law signed in 2025 that creates a federal regulatory framework for stablecoins, requiring them to be fully backed by U.S. dollars or liquid assets.

What is the White House’s stance on DeFi?

The administration acknowledges the potential of DeFi and is encouraging Congress to develop a framework that recognizes and supports its growth.

Will the CFTC regulate crypto?

If the White House recommendations are adopted, the CFTC would be granted authority over crypto spot markets, giving it a central role in regulating digital asset trading.