Trump Blocks Expanded Crypto Broker Rule

A Major Win for Crypto Privacy Advocates
President Donald Trump has officially signed legislation nullifying the expanded crypto broker rule, marking a pivotal moment for the digital asset industry. The rule, which aimed to increase tax reporting requirements by broadening the definition of a “broker,” faced backlash for being overly invasive and poorly defined.

The Rule That Stirred Controversy
Introduced under the 2021 infrastructure law, the crypto broker rule sought to classify a wider range of participants in the crypto ecosystem—such as wallet developers, miners, and validators—as brokers required to report user information to the IRS. Critics claimed this would not only be technically unfeasible but also a threat to user privacy.

Trump: “We Won’t Crush Innovation”
In a public statement, President Trump called the crypto broker rule a “disaster for innovation” and affirmed his administration’s commitment to fostering blockchain development in the U.S. He emphasized that the nation must lead in crypto innovation, not chase it away with excessive regulation.

Crypto Industry Cheers Presidential Move
The repeal of the crypto broker rule has been met with celebration from the blockchain industry. Crypto advocacy groups, legal think tanks, and privacy watchdogs welcomed the move as a step toward smarter and more workable regulation. Some even called it a defining moment for digital rights in the 21st century.

IRS Loses a Powerful Tool
With the repeal of the crypto broker rule, the IRS loses what would have been a key tool for tracking crypto transactions and enforcing tax compliance. While users are still required to report crypto income, the lack of structured third-party reporting creates challenges for regulators hoping to reduce crypto-related tax evasion.

Regulatory Ambiguity Persists
Despite the rollback of the crypto broker rule, regulatory uncertainty remains high in the U.S. crypto space. Congress has yet to pass a comprehensive digital asset framework, and various federal agencies continue to offer differing interpretations on how crypto should be monitored, taxed, and regulated.

International Repercussions Expected
President Trump’s rejection of the crypto broker rule has global implications. As other governments watch how the U.S. handles decentralized finance, the move may influence foreign policy on crypto taxation, especially among allies considering similar surveillance measures.

Political Strategy Meets Policy Shift
Observers believe that blocking the crypto broker rule could be part of President Trump’s broader strategy to win over the crypto sector ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. By aligning with blockchain enthusiasts, his administration signals a political embrace of Web3 technologies.