President Donald Trump on Tuesday accused U.S. banks of threatening key crypto legislation, warning that delays to broader market structure reforms could jeopardize the country’s push to become a global digital asset hub.
In a post, Trump said the “Genius Act is being threatened and undermined by the Banks” and called for swift passage of market structure legislation, including the Clarity Act.
He framed the issue as a matter of national competitiveness, arguing that inaction could push the crypto industry toward China and other jurisdictions.
The remarks come amid mounting friction in Washington over the next phase of U.S. crypto regulation.
Stablecoin law passed, broader reform stalled
Last year, Congress passed the GENIUS Act, establishing a federal framework for payment stablecoins and reserve requirements. The law was widely viewed as the first major step toward formalizing U.S. oversight of dollar-pegged digital assets.
Attention then shifted to the Clarity Act, a broader bill to define regulatory responsibilities among agencies and provide long-sought legal certainty for crypto markets.
However, negotiations on the Clarity Act have stalled in the Senate, with disagreements emerging over key provisions related to stablecoins and their interactions with the traditional banking system.
Yield debate at center of impasse
One of the central sticking points has been whether stablecoins should be permitted to offer interest-like rewards or yield mechanisms.
Banking groups have reportedly pushed for tighter restrictions, arguing that yield-bearing stablecoins could siphon deposits from traditional banks and pose financial stability risks.
Crypto industry participants, meanwhile, contend that excessive limits would undermine innovation and weaken U.S. competitiveness.
The dispute has complicated bipartisan efforts to finalize the bill, with scheduled markups delayed as lawmakers attempt to bridge the divide.
Trump’s post reflects frustration from pro-crypto advocates who view the legislative holdup as a threat to the momentum created by the GENIUS Act.
Framing the fight as economic competition
In his message, Trump linked the stalled negotiations to broader geopolitical competition, warning that regulatory hesitation could push digital asset development offshore. He also criticized banks for posting record profits while allegedly seeking to constrain crypto growth.
The Clarity Act is intended to provide clearer definitions for digital asset classification and oversight, reducing regulatory uncertainty that has weighed on U.S.-based firms. Without agreement on contentious provisions, however, the bill remains in legislative limbo.
For now, the GENIUS Act remains law. Still, the broader market structure framework that many industry participants see as essential for long-term growth has yet to advance.
Final Summary
- Trump’s criticism highlights mounting political pressure as negotiations over the Clarity Act remain stalled in the Senate.
- Disputes over stablecoin yield and bank competition appear to be central to the delay in broader crypto market structure reform.
