CFTC Chair Challenges Trump? Vows Not to Ease Crypto Compliance Despite Government Support

TradingKey – CFTC Chair Caroline Pham has stated that crypto regulation will not be relaxed, despite the Trump administration’s pro-crypto stance, potentially setting up a conflict between the agency and the president.

On Thursday, June 12, Donald Trump reiterated his vision for U.S. crypto regulation and market leadership at Coinbase’s Annual Summit. Trump declared,“The United States will work to establish a clear and simple market framework, ensuring that America dominates the future of cryptocurrency and Bitcoin.”

At the same event, Caroline Pham, the acting chair of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), outlined her regulatory stance. Pham emphasized, “While the Trump administration supports crypto innovation, regulatory agencies will not ease compliance requirements for the industry.” She further clarified that pro-growth policies do not mean ignoring legal obligations.

Unlike other government officials who fully align with Trump’s crypto-friendly approach, such as SEC Chair Paul Atkins and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Pham’s position appears more independent, resembling Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell’s commitment to regulatory duties. This suggests that she may clash with Trump over enforcement priorities.