The DOJ’s ‘National Cryptocurrency Enforcement Team’ is ending. The NCET was originally essential to fight digital asset theft and criminality, therefore this is a major policy shift. A memo from newly appointed Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche revealed this move. It shows a complete shift under President Donald Trump’s administration, one that values new ideas and only prosecutes significant crimes.
From Aggressive Prosecution to Strategic Targeting
When President Biden started the NCET in 2022, it was a key part of prosecuting significant crypto cases. For example, the charges against Binance and its founder, Changpeng Zhao, were revolutionary at the time. The team was part of a larger plan to regulate digital asset by going after those who use them. Blanche’s memo, on the other hand, called that approach dangerous and announced a change: the DOJ will now only use crypto to go after crimes involving drug cartels, terrorism, human trafficking, and organized crime.
No longer targeting crypto exchanges and tools
Under the new order, the DOJ will no longer pursue crypto platforms, offline wallets, and privacy tools like mixers and tumblers unless they are directly involved in crime. Blanche told judges not to pursue companies for small regulatory violations unless there was clear evidence of wilful misconduct.
Executive Order Shapes New DOJ Mandamus
Blanche said that his order was based on an executive order from the Trump administration that supported open blockchain access without harassment. This order supports a more open crypto market in line with what Trump said during his campaign.
Trump’s Crypto Evolution Investment
Interestingly, the Trump family has a cash stake in crypto and a political one. Reuters say they have a 75% stake in the money made from selling tokens through the new cryptocurrency business World Liberty Financial. This gives the administration’s quick push to loosen regulations a more human touch.
Conclusion
The NCET’s closing is a big change from the past, and it supports President Trump’s plan to make the US the “crypto capital of the planet.” In the US, officials are stepping back, and the DOJ is narrowing its focus.
