Trump’s CFTC Nominee Escalates Feud with Winklevoss Twins Over Crypto Regulation

Brian Quintenz, President Trump's stalled nominee to chair the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), has publicly released Signal message screenshots alleging Gemini founders Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss attempted to derail his confirmation. The messages reveal tensions over Gemini's June complaint regarding CFTC handling of an investigation into the crypto exchange.

The leaked correspondence shows the Winklevoss twins pressing Quintenz about his stance on CFTC reforms. Quintenz claims they threatened to contact President TRUMP directly after he refused to commit to their demands. Subsequently, his Senate confirmation vote was withdrawn at White House request.

This confrontation highlights growing friction between crypto entrepreneurs and financial regulators. The Winklevoss brothers, through Gemini, have been vocal advocates for clearer digital asset regulations. Their exchange remains one of the most compliant platforms in the space, having previously received CFTC approval for Bitcoin derivatives products.