POLITICO: White House Withdraws Brian Quintenz’s CFTC Chair Nomination
POLITICO reports that the White House has formally pulled Brian Quintenz’s nomination to chair the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), ending what was once seen as a smooth path to confirmation for the former commissioner.
Crypto Pushback and Gaming Industry Resistance
According to two people familiar with the decision, the withdrawal came late Tuesday after weeks of mounting opposition. High-profile crypto investors Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss privately urged President Donald Trump in July to reconsider his choice, arguing that Quintenz did not align with the president’s agenda.
Shortly afterward, the White House asked the Senate Agriculture Committee to postpone a planned meeting where lawmakers were expected to advance the nomination.
Quintenz also faced criticism from the traditional gaming sector over his ties to Kalshi, the prediction-market platform whose sports-event contracts have frustrated casino operators. Together, these pressures derailed what had looked like an easy confirmation.
Statements from Key Players
Quintenz, who previously held posts at Andreessen Horowitz and Kalshi, thanked supporters but confirmed he is stepping aside:
“Being nominated to chair the CFTC and going through the confirmation process was the honor of my life,” he told POLITICO. “I am grateful to the President for that opportunity and to the Senate Agriculture Committee for its consideration. I look forward to returning to my private sector endeavors during this exciting time for innovation in our country.”
A White House official emphasized that Quintenz remains part of the administration’s broader crypto agenda:
“Brian Quintenz remains a trusted ally and the Trump administration looks forward to working with him in other capacities,” the official said, adding that President Trump wants the CFTC to play a larger role in making the U.S. the “crypto capital of the world.”
The official noted a new nominee will be announced “in the near future.”
Political Reactions on Capitol Hill
Rep. Dina Titus, a Democrat from Nevada whose district includes Las Vegas, wrote on X: “Good. The CFTC deserves strong, independent leadership that will follow and enforce agency regulations.”
Sara Lasure, spokesperson for the Senate Agriculture Committee, issued a statement highlighting the stakes for the agency: “As Congress crafts legislation to expand the CFTC’s role in regulating digital assets, it’s critical the agency has leadership to oversee this new authority.”
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