Senator Adam Schiff Introduces COIN Act to Ban Presidential Crypto Deals

In a bold move targeting political conflicts of interest, Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA) has introduced the COIN Act, aiming to prohibit U.S. Presidents, Vice Presidents, and their immediate families from engaging in cryptocurrency-related business during their terms.

Announced early Tuesday, the legislation reflects growing concerns over the intersection of political power and the booming $2.5 trillion crypto market, which saw a 40% surge in institutional investment in 2024, according to a PwC report.

The COIN Act imposes strict measures, banning the issuance, promotion, or endorsement of crypto assets—including meme coins, NFTs, and stablecoins—while mandating disclosure of transactions exceeding $1,000. Violations carry severe penalties, including fines equivalent to profits made and up to five years in prison. Schiff’s move appears to address ethical concerns, particularly citing former President Donald Trump’s crypto dealings, which he claims raised “significant legal and constitutional issues.”

This legislation arrives amid heightened scrutiny of political financial activities, with a 2023 MIT study revealing lawmakers’ stock trades outperform the market by 12% annually, hinting at insider advantages that crypto could exacerbate. However, the bill’s focus on crypto alone has sparked debate. Critics, including economist Peter Schiff, argue it overregulates a nascent industry while ignoring broader stock trading loopholes, a sentiment echoed by X users like @Crypto4Lfe888, who called for equal scrutiny on stock dealings.

The timing raises eyebrows, as Schiff recently supported the bipartisan GENIUS Act, which establishes a regulatory framework for stablecoins. Some see the COIN Act as a counterbalance to that vote, though it aligns with his pro-crypto stance, as noted by Stand With Crypto Alliance, which rates him supportive of digital asset innovation.

As the crypto landscape evolves, the COIN Act could set a precedent for political accountability, though its passage remains uncertain in a polarized Congress.

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