- The SEC is dropping its case against Coinbase, signaling a shift in U.S. crypto regulation under Trump.
- Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong calls it a “huge day”, saying it could set off a domino effect for the industry.
- Trump’s pro-crypto stance has fueled major market gains, with Bitcoin surpassing $100,000 and meme coins surging.
Coinbase just scored a massive victory. The SEC has agreed to drop its enforcement case against the exchange—pending commissioner approval—marking a huge shift in U.S. crypto regulation.
The case, originally filed in 2023 under former SEC Chair Gary Gensler, accused Coinbase of operating as an unregistered securities exchange and failing to properly register its staking program. But with Donald Trump back in office and Paul Atkins set to lead the SEC, the regulatory stance toward crypto is clearly softening.
Coinbase CEO Calls It a “Huge Day” for Crypto
Speaking on CNBC’s Squawk Box, Coinbase co-founder and CEO Brian Armstrong made it clear—this isn’t just a win for Coinbase, it’s a turning point for the entire crypto industry.
“A small group of activists in the prior administration tried to unlawfully attack this industry,” Armstrong said. “Now, we’re finally getting real regulatory clarity in America.”
- Coinbase won’t pay a fine—a rare outcome in SEC cases
- Armstrong hopes this sparks a domino effect, leading to other dismissed cases
- The SEC declined to comment on the decision
Crypto’s Regulatory Shift Under Trump
The big picture? The SEC’s new stance aligns with Trump’s pro-crypto agenda.
- Trump openly embraced digital assets during his campaign, even attending the 2024 Bitcoin Conference.
- On Jan. 23, he signed an executive order to create a regulatory framework for crypto.
- Bitcoin skyrocketed past $100,000 post-election, and meme coins surged in popularity, especially the TRUMP coin pushed by the president himself.
With the SEC stepping back and the White House actively supporting digital assets, the crypto industry might finally be heading into an era of clearer, friendlier regulations—a huge contrast to the enforcement-heavy approach under Gensler.
For now? Coinbase walks away unscathed. And the rest of the industry is watching closely.
