CFTC Nominee Leaks Texts Alleging Winklevoss Twins’ Influence on Regulatory Actions

Newly revealed text messages between CFTC nominee Brian Quintenz and Tyler Winklevoss suggest a troubling nexus between Gemini's regulatory battles and political influence. The correspondence, dating back to July, details discussions about prior CFTC litigation against the Winklevoss twins' crypto exchange—a sore point that now appears entangled with Trump-era nominations.

The leaked texts imply potential misconduct, with Quintenz claiming President TRUMP may have been "misled" regarding the twins' lobbying efforts against his CFTC chair nomination. This revelation casts a shadow over the regulatory process, suggesting enforcement delays may have stemmed from political connections rather than policy disagreements.

Gemini's founders have become increasingly influential in political circles, with their crypto empire and substantial campaign donations positioning them as key allies in Washington. The timing raises questions about whether crypto regulation is being shaped by merit or money—a critical concern for an industry seeking mainstream legitimacy.