Trump Taps Todd Blanche as Acting U.S. Attorney General, Signaling Shift in Crypto Enforcement

Todd Blanche has been named acting U.S. Attorney General after a leadership shakeup at the Department of Justice, replacing Pam Bondi in a move that could reshape federal crypto enforcement. Blanche, who previously represented President Donald Trump in a New York criminal case, had been serving as deputy attorney general. Since taking a senior role at DOJ, he has already driven a notable change in the department's posture toward digital assets. Earlier this year, Blanche directed the closure of the DOJ's National Cryptocurrency Enforcement Team, a unit launched in 2022 to investigate illicit crypto activity. He also issued guidance telling prosecutors to steer away from cases primarily focused on regulatory violations within the crypto sector. The new approach is already affecting prosecutions. In the Southern District of New York, prosecutors dropped one charge against Tornado Cash developer Roman Storm, citing Blanche's directive. Storm still faces additional legal proceedings later this year. Blanche's elevation is expected to reinforce a more restrained enforcement stance. Supporters argue it draws a clearer line between regulation and criminal prosecution. Critics say it risks weakening oversight in a fast-moving market. Questions have also emerged around potential conflicts of interest. A July 2025 financial disclosure shows Blanche transferred crypto holdings to family members before taking office. The assets included bitcoin, ethereum, solana and other tokens, along with shares in Coinbase. Reports still place his crypto holdings between $159,000 and $485,000 at the time he signed the enforcement memo, raising ethical concerns given expectations that officials divest before overseeing matters tied to their financial interests. The leadership change comes as Washington reassesses its approach to digital assets, with enforcement priorities shifting while regulatory clarity remains in flux. Blanche's tenure could be pivotal in shaping the next phase of U.S. crypto policy. FAQ Q: Who is Todd Blanche? A: He is the acting U.S. Attorney General and previously served as deputy attorney general. Q: What changes has he made to crypto enforcement? A: He disbanded the DOJ's crypto enforcement unit and advised prosecutors not to pursue certain cases centered on regulatory violations. Q: Why are there ethical concerns? A: Reports suggest he may have held crypto assets while issuing policy that could affect the industry. Q: What does this mean for crypto in the U.S.? A: It may point to a softer enforcement posture, even as regulatory uncertainty persists.