Tyler Winklevoss Blasts Gensler’s Crypto Rules as Innovation-Killing Overreach

Crypto heavyweight Tyler Winklevoss just unloaded on SEC Chair Gary Gensler—accusing him of strangling innovation with regulatory overreach. The Gemini co-founder didn't hold back, calling current policies 'hostile' and 'out of touch' with technological reality.

Winklevoss argues that Gensler's approach pushes development overseas while leaving U.S. investors in the dust. He's not just talking theory—this is about real projects getting blocked, real companies moving abroad, and real talent fleeing jurisdictions that treat crypto like a problem instead of an opportunity.

The timing's brutal. While other nations craft clear frameworks, America's regulators seem stuck in a 20th-century mindset—playing compliance whack-a-mole while the future of finance builds elsewhere. Nothing says 'financial innovation' like watching from the sidelines while others eat your lunch.

Winklevoss's message cuts through the bureaucratic noise: regulate with clarity, not confusion. Foster innovation, don't fear it. Otherwise, the next decade of financial evolution will happen despite Washington—not because of it.

Winklevoss vs. Quintenz Clash

Besides his criticism of Gensler, Winklevoss is also embroiled in a feud with Brian Quintenz, former CFTC head and TRUMP nominee. The dispute erupted publicly when Quintenz shared private messages from Winklevoss on X. 

I’ve never been inclined to release private messages. But in light of my support for the President and belief that he might have been misled, I’ve posted here the messages that include the questions Tyler Winklevoss asked me pertaining to their prior litigation with the CFTC.

I… pic.twitter.com/MN75M1XUpT

In the messages, Tyler blasted the Biden administration for what he called “seven years of lawfare trophy hunting” targeting Gemini. He demanded Quintenz’s help in reversing these pressures.

Critics quickly weighed in, framing the conflict as personal rather than policy-driven. “It’s a total temper tantrum. This is about wanting revenge and wanting to punish people,” said Lee Reiners of Duke University. The clash is surprising, given Quintenz’s reputation as a pro-crypto policymaker.

Amid the tensions, Tyler remains bullish on Bitcoin. In a separate CNBC interview last week, he predicted bitcoin could reach $1 million if it disrupts gold’s market share. “We think Bitcoin is gold 2.0,” Tyler said. 

He emphasized that mainstream adoption is still in its early stages and believes a tenfold price increase is possible within the next decade.

Tyler Winklevoss’ clashes with regulators show how divided U.S. crypto policy has become and may influence crypto innovation.

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