Trump Administration Takes Aim at Cryptocurrency Regulations with Executive Order

US regulators have taken significant steps to address the evolving cryptocurrency landscape since President Trump's administration took office. The Executive Order No. 14178, signed on January 23, 2025, aims to promote the responsible growth and use of digital assets, blockchain technology, and related technologies across all sectors.

The order establishes a Presidential Working Group on Digital Asset Markets to propose a regulatory framework for digital assets within 180 days. It also tasks relevant agencies with identifying regulations related to digital assets and proposing whether any should be rescinded or modified.

The DOJ has been actively enforcing laws related to cryptocurrency, focusing on high-profile criminal prosecutions that produced rapid resolutions. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche issued a memorandum in April 2025, stating that the DOJ would no longer target virtual currency exchanges for unwitting violations of regulations.