White House Set to Meet Senators Over Crypto Bill’s Ethics Standoff

Senior White House officials are expected to meet with senators on Thursday in an effort to resolve the most contentious unresolved issue in the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act, the bill aimed at establishing federal rules for crypto markets.

Ethics Provision Remains Key Sticking Point

With limited Senate floor time left this year, the biggest unresolved piece of the legislation involves restrictions on senior government officials’ personal financial ties to the crypto industry. Democrats have pushed hard for these limits, largely in response to President Trump’s own crypto related business interests, but negotiators have struggled to reach a compromise. Officials including Chief of Staff Susie Wiles may take part in the talks, according to people familiar with the plans, though a near-final version of the bill’s text may be delayed further while discussions continue.

Trump’s Crypto Earnings Add Pressure

Disclosures that Trump earned more than $1 billion from crypto-related activity in 2025 have intensified criticism from Democratic lawmakers. On Tuesday, several Democratic senators held a press conference opposing the bill unless it addresses what they called Trump’s conflicts of interest. Notably absent from that group was Senator Ruben Gallego, who along with Senator Angela Alsobrooks has led ethics negotiations for months and said in May that their support depends on a clear ethics provision being included.

Time Running Short Before Recess

The Senate is scheduled to leave Washington for summer recess after the first week of August, leaving only a narrow window to finalize the bill before lawmakers shift focus to the November midterms. Senate Majority Leader John Thune has said he intends to push the bill forward later this month regardless of whether final language is settled.