Gary Gensler and the SEC: the administrative court scandal
US Congressman Warren Davidson has called for the firing of Gary Gensler, the current chairman of the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), in 2024. Davidson accuses Gensler of corruption and wants to hold the SEC accountable for its actions. The call for Gensler’s dismissal comes in light of the administrative court scandal, where the SEC dismissed 42 cases due to a lack of controls and communication issues. While some see this as an isolated incident, others believe it reveals deeper problems within the agency.
The dismissal of Gary Gensler from the SEC
Davidson is not alone in his criticism of Gensler. Many members of the crypto community have also called for his removal due to his anti-crypto stance. The SEC’s lawsuits against Ripple and Grayscale have been seen as examples of Gensler’s bias against cryptocurrencies. The court ruled against the SEC in both cases, highlighting Gensler’s mistakes. After years of such behavior, dissatisfaction with Gensler’s leadership is growing.
Who is Gary Gensler?
Gary Gensler is a technocrat with a background in Democratic administrations. He was appointed chairman of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) by Barack Obama in 2009 and chairman of the SEC by Joe Biden in 2021. Democrats are generally opposed to cryptocurrencies, and Gensler is no exception. However, in 2018, he stated that Bitcoin and Ethereum were not securities. The change in his stance could be a political move to align himself with the Democratic faction ahead of the upcoming elections.
2024: the year of change
The year 2024 could be a turning point, although it is more likely to be 2025. If the Republicans win the next presidential election, which they are currently leading in the polls, Gensler will likely be replaced. Additionally, there have been rumors that Congress could move to dismiss Gensler in 2024. The approval of Bitcoin spot ETFs by the SEC could also contribute to his downfall if they are successful without any issues. A defeat for Gensler’s approach could lead to a decline in his popularity and support.
Cryptocurrencies and politics in the USA
The relationship between cryptocurrencies and politics is becoming increasingly important in the US. As the elections approach, crypto markets have become part of electoral propaganda. However, it remains unclear how effective it will be for Democrats to distance themselves from the crypto world. Democratic politicians have received significant donations from figures in the crypto industry, but recent failures like FTX may lead them to distance themselves. As the elections draw nearer, Democrats’ anti-crypto stance may fade, especially if Gensler is dismissed.
Hot Take: Gary Gensler’s Future at the SEC
Gary Gensler’s future as chairman of the SEC is uncertain. Calls for his dismissal have grown louder, with Congressman Warren Davidson advocating for his firing in 2024 due to allegations of corruption. The administrative court scandal and Gensler’s anti-crypto stance have further fueled dissatisfaction with his leadership. The upcoming elections in 2024 or 2025 could be a turning point, as a Republican president would likely replace him with someone aligned with their party’s values. Additionally, Congress may take action to remove Gensler sooner. The relationship between cryptocurrencies and politics continues to evolve, and Gensler’s fate at the SEC will play a significant role in shaping this relationship.