Custodia CEO Says Trump Family Crypto Ties Are Part of Clarity Act Problem

Summary

Custodia Bank CEO Caitlin Long states that controversy surrounding President Donald Trump’s family’s involvement in crypto is hindering bipartisan support for the CLARITY Act, which aims to define digital asset regulation and clarify the roles of the SEC and CFTC. Trump-associated meme coins and ventures like World Liberty Financial have made passing the bill significantly harder, particularly in the Senate, where disagreements persist over DeFi and stablecoin provisions. Long describes the bill's chances as a "coin flip," noting Congress is struggling to secure the required 60 Senate votes, partly due to Democratic opposition tied to ethics concerns. While regulatory agencies could issue rules, Long emphasizes that only Congressional action would provide lasting legal clarity. She points to bipartisan efforts for crypto regulation but underscores that controversy and political infighting remain key barriers. Despite market volatility, Long remains optimistic, advising individuals to use downturns as learning opportunities in the crypto space.