Donald Trump’s return to the White House is set to bring crypto to the forefront of American politics. The president-elect has not only pledged to be a pro-crypto leader but is also surrounding himself with a team that shares this affinity. Trump’s vice president-elect, JD Vance, and several of his Cabinet nominees have disclosed significant involvement with cryptocurrencies, either through investments or business interests, signaling a potentially favorable regulatory environment for the digital asset industry.

Trump himself has shown support for crypto, revealing holdings of Ethereum valued between $1 million and $5 million, according to an August Federal Election Commission disclosure. Additionally, the Trump family has ties to World Liberty Financial, a crypto project they promote actively. In exchange, a family-owned LLC receives a significant share of the project's tokens and future revenues, underscoring the administration’s deep connection to the crypto space.

JD Vance, the incoming vice president, disclosed owning Bitcoin worth $250,000 to $500,000 as of August. Although it’s unclear if he still holds those assets, Vance’s association highlights a growing trend of prominent political figures embracing digital currencies. Meanwhile, Robert Kennedy Jr., nominated for Health and Human Services secretary, has spoken openly about his Bitcoin investment, emphasizing its alignment with his personal values over monetary gains.

Howard Lutnick, Trump’s pick for Commerce secretary, has pledged to divest from Cantor Fitzgerald, a firm deeply connected to Tether, the world’s largest stablecoin issuer. Lutnick’s past involvement with Tether raises questions about potential conflicts of interest, even as he vows to comply with government ethics rules.

Other notable figures include Pete Hegseth, nominated as Defense secretary, and Tulsi Gabbard, the prospective director of national intelligence. Both have disclosed past crypto holdings, with Hegseth admitting he sold Bitcoin at a high but retained a significant portion. Gabbard, a former congresswoman, reported modest investments in Ether and Litecoin in 2017 and has remained connected to the crypto community through speaking engagements.

Despite the administration’s pro-crypto stance, some nominees will face stricter scrutiny under ethics rules. The Office of Government Ethics clarified in 2022 that digital assets must be divested if they pose potential conflicts of interest. This requirement could complicate confirmations for nominees like Lutnick and Kennedy, whose holdings intersect with their prospective government roles.

Ian Katz, managing director at Capital Alpha Partners, noted that many in the new administration are invested in crypto’s success. This alignment of interests could shape policies favorable to the industry, even as nominees navigate ethical obligations.

Trump’s Cabinet choices signal a pivotal moment for the crypto space, blending financial interests with policymaking potential. Whether this translates to lasting change remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the next White House will be one of the most crypto-friendly in history.