Senate Democrats Push Back on CLARITY Act Over Trump Crypto Ethics Concerns

Three Democratic senators are voicing opposition to the CLARITY Act, a major crypto market structure bill, arguing it fails to address President Trump’s financial ties to the digital asset industry, as Senate leadership signals a vote could come before mid-August.

Senators Cite “Crypto Corruption” Concerns

Senators Chris Murphy, Jeff Merkley and Chris Van Hollen held a press conference Tuesday alongside advocacy groups and actor Ben McKenzie, saying the bill does nothing to address Trump’s connections to the industry through his memecoin and his family’s World Liberty Financial venture. Murphy argued the legislation would effectively hand Trump greater regulatory control over an industry he personally profits from, calling it a form of built-in corruption. Senator Elizabeth Warren has also pressed for ethics provisions following disclosures that Trump earned $1.4 billion from crypto activities in 2025.

Bill Faces 60-Vote Threshold

Passed by the House nearly a year ago as part of a broader crypto legislative push, the CLARITY Act needs 60 votes to clear the Senate, meaning Republicans need Democratic support given their narrow majority. Despite the opposition, the bill has backing from two law enforcement groups who say it would help combat digital asset-related crime.

Vote Expected Before August Recess

Senate Majority Leader John Thune has pledged a vote before the chamber’s Aug. 10 recess, though exact timing remains unclear. Trump has urged senators to pass the bill in memory of the late Senator Lindsey Graham, whose death left Republicans with a 52-47 majority, further narrowed by Senator Mitch McConnell’s ongoing hospitalization. Senator Cynthia Lummis said the bill’s text would be released within days.