Key Takeaways
- Tyler Winklevoss has raised concerns about Brian Quintenz’s conflicts of interest and suitability to lead pro-crypto regulation.
- Brian Quintenz’s nomination as CFTC chair faces opposition due to ethical concerns and lack of alignment with pro-crypto agendas.
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Tyler Winklevoss, co-founder of Gemini, has warned Trump’s team that CFTC nominee Brian Quintenz is out of step with the administration’s deregulatory agenda and poses serious ethical risks that should disqualify him from the role, according to the New York Post.
Winklevoss told the Post that Quintenz made an unannounced visit to his New York office, but the crypto entrepreneur declined to meet with him. The purpose of the visit was not disclosed.
There is also growing unease that Quintenz’s policy positions are at odds with Trump’s deregulatory agenda. His pro-regulation testimony has alienated both the crypto industry and Trump-aligned Republicans, who now view him as out of step with the administration’s priorities.
“His stated positions are not aligned with President Trump and the Administration’s stated goals,” Winklevoss told The Post.
Quintenz nomination for CFTC chair hits turbulence over Kalshi ties and leaked emails
On Monday, the White House unexpectedly delayed a key vote to advance Brian Quintenz’s nomination as CFTC Chair, sparking speculation across Washington about mounting opposition, journalist Eleanor Terrett reported.
Some point to pressure from the American Gaming Association, which reportedly opposes his support for legal prediction markets. Others cite growing concern from crypto industry figures like the Winklevoss twins.
Winklevoss said that he was alarmed by Quintenz’s conflict of interest concerning his board seat at Kalshi, a prediction market directly regulated by the CFTC.
Controversy intensified after a blog post from The Closing Line began circulating among Capitol Hill staffers and crypto lobbying circles. Based on a FOIA request, the post reveals emails in which Quintenz’s expected chief of staff sought access to confidential CFTC information during the transition planning phase.
It is problematic considering Quintenz’s role on Kalshi’s board and that the platform competes with others like Polymarket and PredictIt.
The backlash has reached Capitol Hill, where insiders say Quintenz may no longer have the votes to advance.
“Senators are concerned because they don’t want to face criticism over ethical issues, which could fuel Democratic campaign ads in the next midterm,” a Capitol Hill source said.
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