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Brian Quintenz, President Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), has released text messages with Gemini co-founder Tyler Winklevoss after his stalled confirmation raised questions in Washington. Quintenz suggested the White House’s decision to pause his nomination may have been influenced by the Winklevoss twins, claiming Trump “might have been misled.”
In the messages, dated July 24, Tyler Winklevoss referenced Gemini’s complaint to the CFTC inspector general regarding enforcement attorneys who pursued charges against the exchange. Quintenz responded that any review of the complaint should be handled by a “fully confirmed chair” of the CFTC, underscoring his refusal to intervene directly.
The exchange highlighted tensions over CFTC enforcement actions. Gemini had settled charges with the agency in January, and Winklevoss expressed frustration, saying “cultural reform” should be a top priority. He also implied he could raise the matter directly with Trump. Quintenz, however, maintained that decisions on the issue required impartial review.
Tyler Winklevoss has openly opposed Quintenz’s nomination, arguing that his push to expand the CFTC’s budget, his views on crypto developer liability, and alleged favoritism toward prediction market firm Kalshi disqualified him. In July, Winklevoss told CoinDesk that Quintenz was the wrong choice to oversee the crypto industry.
Despite the resistance, industry leaders rallied behind Quintenz, urging the president to move forward, calling him the “right person at the right time.” Yet, the Senate Agriculture Committee has not rescheduled a confirmation vote.
Meanwhile, SEC Chairman Paul Atkins and Acting CFTC Chair Caroline Pham are advancing pro-crypto initiatives, signaling continued regulatory momentum. Quintenz’s disclosure marks a rare move for a nominee, shedding light on behind-the-scenes power struggles shaping U.S. crypto regulation.
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