Trump’s CFTC Nominee Exposes Leaked Texts Showing Gemini Founders Tried to Derail His Confirmation – Did Crypto Billionaires Try to Play Politics?

Trump Nominee Releases Texts Suggesting Winklevoss Twins Tried to Influence CFTC Confirmation

US President Donald Trump’s nominee for Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) chair, Brian Quintenz, has publicly shared private text exchanges indicating that Tyler Winklevoss attempted to sway his confirmation.

The messages, released on X on 10 September, reveal that Winklevoss pressed Quintenz for assurances regarding a long-running legal dispute between Gemini, the crypto exchange he co-founded with Cameron Winklevoss, and the CFTC.

In the July 2025 exchange, Tyler Winklevoss circulated a 13-page complaint detailing what he described as “dubious false statements charges” and enforcement actions “selectively and unfairly weaponised” against Gemini.

He claimed the agency had engaged in “7 years of lawfare trophy hunting” and urged Quintenz to prioritise “cultural reform, which includes rectifying what happened to us.”

Source: X

Quintenz Maintains Neutrality and Refuses Specific Promises

Quintenz consistently declined to provide direct commitments, emphasising that “any decision or response to your complaint should be made by and given the full weight of the confirmed chair.”

He added that he would address the issues “fully and fairly if and when I am confirmed,” citing a need to rely on proper process rather than preemptive intervention.

Despite repeated requests from Winklevoss, Quintenz did not review the complaint before confirmation, prompting the crypto executive to express disappointment.

The messages suggest that, following these exchanges, the Winklevoss twins reportedly contacted President Trump to request a pause in Quintenz’s confirmation.

Gemini’s Settlement and IPO Context Heighten Stakes

The dispute centres on a $5 million settlement between Gemini and the CFTC over allegations that the exchange made misleading statements about a crypto investment product.

Tyler Winklevoss accused agency staff of being “driven by a selfish desire to advance their careers by misusing their offices to obtain a high-profile ‘win’ against Gemini.”

The text release coincides with Gemini’s IPO planned for 12 September, targeting a $3 billion valuation.

Analysts note that these revelations could complicate investor sentiment as the company prepares to go public.

Political and Industry Implications of the Exchange

The episode has broader implications for the CFTC and its role in the crypto market.

Quintenz’s nomination, initially expected to face little opposition, is now uncertain.

The Senate Agriculture Committee had delayed questioning him after the White House reportedly requested a pause following the Winklevoss outreach.

The situation also highlights the growing influence of crypto figures in political circles.

Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss recently announced plans to invest $21 million into a group supporting “champions of President Trump’s crypto agenda in primary races and the midterm elections,” signalling active involvement in shaping regulatory priorities.

Transparency vs Influence: Who Controls the Narrative

Quintenz has framed the text release as an act of transparency, saying it was intended to prevent the President from being misled.

He wrote,

“I believe these texts make it clear what they were after from me, and what I refused to promise.”

He argued that the Gemini founders’ attempt to intervene was improper.

Regulatory Integrity Faces Pressure from Crypto Titans

This episode raises questions about the intersection of regulatory authority and influential market actors.

While the CFTC plays a key role in safeguarding derivatives markets and potentially the broader crypto ecosystem, high-profile industry players can exert pressure that blurs accountability lines.

Coinlive sees this as a reminder that regulatory bodies must navigate both compliance oversight and external lobbying pressures carefully, especially as crypto enters mainstream financial markets.

The Gemini case illustrates the fragility of impartial enforcement when high-stakes corporate and political interests collide.