Democrats Break Ranks on Shutdown Bill as AI Boom Concerns Rise

In a significant political development that could reshape budget negotiations, eight Democratic senators crossed party lines to support Republican legislation to end the 40-day government shutdown, breaking with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and party leadership. The political drama unfolded alongside concerning economic signals from the technology sector, where Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing reported slowing monthly revenue growth, raising fundamental questions about the sustainability of the artificial intelligence boom despite continued strong demand from industry giants like Nvidia.

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US Government Shutdown: Crypto Markets Show Resilience

The United States government has entered a shutdown after Congress failed to pass funding legislation, marking the 21st such closure since 1977. Despite the political turmoil and potential economic disruptions, cryptocurrency markets have demonstrated remarkable stability, with Bitcoin holding near $114,700 and total market capitalization maintaining the $4 trillion level, signaling growing market maturity amid Washington gridlock.

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Democrats Push to Amend GENIUS Act Over Trump Crypto Ties

The GENIUS Act, the first U.S. stablecoin regulation framework, is nearing enactment, but Democratic lawmakers are demanding amendments to prevent corruption risks linked to former President Trump and his family. Senators like Jeff Merkley and Elizabeth Warren want safeguards against influence peddling, especially as Trump’s crypto venture, World Liberty Financial, launches a new stablecoin, USD1. While the bill mandates federal oversight for stablecoin issuers, concerns persist over Trump’s alleged conflicts of interest, prompting a Democrat-led investigation into his crypto dealings. Despite opposition, some lawmakers argue the bill should pass to legitimize blockchain innovation.

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Schumer Backs Amendment to Block Trump Crypto Profits

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, along with Senators Elizabeth Warren and Jeff Merkley, plans to introduce an amendment to the GENIUS Act to prevent a U.S. president from profiting from stablecoin ventures. The move follows a bipartisan Senate vote advancing the stablecoin regulation bill, with Democrats seeking additional safeguards against potential conflicts of interest tied to former President Donald Trump. Merkley criticized the unamended bill as enabling corruption, highlighting concerns over Trump’s cryptocurrency industry connections. The amendment aims to address these ethical concerns while shaping the future of stablecoin oversight.

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Senate Dems Push Bill to Block Trump’s Crypto Ventures

Senate Democrats, led by Jeff Merkley and Chuck Schumer, have proposed the End Crypto Corruption Act of 2025 to ban high-ranking US officials and their families from financially benefiting from crypto assets like memecoins and stablecoins. The bill imposes penalties of up to 10% of the financial gain from prohibited conduct. The move targets concerns over President Trump’s crypto ventures, which critics argue create a corrupt scheme undermining national security and public trust. Schumer emphasized the need to prevent Trump from exploiting digital assets for personal gain, calling it a threat to democracy. The legislation reflects growing scrutiny over crypto-related conflicts of interest in government.

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Bitwise Warns of Crypto Summer Turbulence Without Legislation

Bitwise CIO Matt Hougan has cautioned that the digital asset market may experience instability this summer if lawmakers fail to advance crypto legislation. While the Trump administration made early strides—such as establishing a Bitcoin reserve and rolling back restrictive SEC guidance—Hougan warns that executive actions alone are insufficient. The recent withdrawal of support for the Stablecoin GENIUS Act by key Democrats highlights political hurdles, threatening regulatory clarity. Without congressional action, future administrations could reverse progress, undermining investor confidence. Hougan remains optimistic about Bitcoin’s potential to reach $200,000 but stresses that legislative inaction could leave the market vulnerable amid political unrest.

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Ex-SEC Chair Clayton Tackles Crypto Fraud as Interim US Attorney

Jay Clayton, former SEC chair and newly appointed interim US Attorney for the Southern District of New York (SDNY), has made his first public statement on a crypto fraud case. Eugene William Austin, convicted of wire fraud, money laundering, and interstate transportation of stolen property, was sentenced to 18 years for defrauding over 24 victims of $12M through fake crypto investments. Clayton emphasized accountability for financial crimes, signaling a focus on crypto-related cases during his tenure. The SDNY, a key financial district, may also see Clayton oversee high-profile cases like the sentencing of ex-Celsius CEO Alex Mashinsky. Clayton’s interim role lasts 120 days without Senate confirmation, amid political tensions over his nomination.

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Trump Repeals IRS Crypto Rule, Easing DeFi Reporting

Former President Donald Trump has overturned a contentious IRS rule that would have imposed stringent reporting requirements on decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms, treating them like traditional brokers. The rule, introduced under the Biden administration, faced bipartisan criticism for stifling innovation in the $2 trillion crypto sector. Trump’s repeal, backed by Republicans and some Democrats, reflects growing skepticism of heavy-handed federal oversight in blockchain technology. Advocates hailed the decision as a win for sensible crypto policy, while critics viewed the original rule as an impractical overreach. The repeal marks the first crypto-specific legislation signed into U.S. law.

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U S Congress Prioritizes Crypto Regulation Amid Market Expectations and Challenges

The 119th Congress prioritizes crypto legislation, focusing on stablecoins and market structure, with hopes for clarity on regulatory oversight. While bipartisan support exists, significant delays are expected, as political pressures and other legislative priorities may slow progress. Optimism for a national bitcoin reserve remains low, with experts doubting swift action.

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