Lummis Calls for Powell’s Resignation Over Crypto Policies

TLDR

• Lummis accuses Powell of bias against digital assets.
• Powell’s policies may restrict banking access for crypto firms.
• Past events show risks of restrictive regulatory policies.

Senator Cynthia Lummis has called for Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell’s resignation, alleging an anti-cryptocurrency stance. Lummis, a staunch advocate for Bitcoin and digital asset regulations, argues that Powell’s policies are unfairly targeting the digital asset sector.

The issue arose from what Lummis describes as the “policization” of bank supervision, negatively impacting America’s competitive edge. The Senator criticized Powell’s leadership, highlighting continued bias against crypto despite the growing importance of digital assets.

Background on Lummis and Powell’s Crypto Stances

Senator Cynthia Lummis is known for her support of Bitcoin and clear regulation for digital assets. She chairs the Senate Banking Subcommittee on Digital Assets, actively participating in the national regulation debate. Her legislative initiatives, like the GENIUS Act for stablecoins, reflect her commitment to transparent crypto policy.

In contrast, Jerome Powell has maintained a cautious stance on digital assets during his tenure. Under his leadership, the Federal Reserve has limited exposure to cryptocurrencies, continuing policies that discourage banking integration with crypto firms.

Senator Lummis’s Accusations

Lummis accused Powell of “perjury,” supporting claims by Rep. Anna Paulina Luna concerning Operation Chokepoint 2.0 oversight. These allegations are part of her broader criticism of the Fed’s approach, suggesting a systemic bias against digital assets that harms U.S. financial integrity.

Lummis also cited Powell’s dismissive stance on Bitcoin, stating, “The Fed’s continued politization of bank supervision is a threat to both our financial system’s integrity and America’s competitive edge.”

Implications for the Crypto Industry

While no direct public funding allocations are associated with this controversy, the impact on institutional involvement is significant. U.S. banking institutions may become more risk-averse towards crypto firms, leading to restricted access to banking services.

Bitcoin and Ethereum are specifically implicated, as broader tensions could affect liquidity and market access for these and other digital assets. Financial institutions remain wary of regulatory risks, which may continue to chill institutional investment.

Historical Precedents and Market Impact

Similar past events, such as Operation Chokepoint 1.0, led to liquidity issues. U.S. regulators then pressured banks to de-risk, impacting legitimate crypto firms significantly. This context highlights potential risks if restrictive policies persist.

Recent policy statements from 2022 to 2024 classified crypto as “unsafe,” contributing to bank offboarding and digital asset volatility. The present situation echoes these past regulatory challenges, with no new on-chain data reported so far.

Regulatory and Community Reactions

The Federal Reserve maintains a restrictive policy towards the crypto sector, as emphasized by Senator Lummis. Her Subcommittee continues advocating for pro-innovation digital frameworks, seeking to counterbalance the Fed’s stance.

Community discussions are active, though no major crypto leaders have published official comments. There is an ongoing dialogue on platforms like Twitter, reflecting concerns about the impact on digital asset markets.