After Donating $35 Million to Trump PAC, Crypto.com Scores Wins From Regulators
Decrypt
by Sander LutzFebruary 24, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Crypto.com, a major cryptocurrency exchange, has made headlines after donating $35 million over the past year to MAGA Inc., a pro-Trump super PAC. This significant political spending appears to have paid off, as the company recently secured key regulatory wins. The CFTC backed Crypto.com in a lawsuit against the state of Nevada regarding sports-related prediction markets, and the OCC conditionally approved its application for a national banking charter, positioning the exchange to become a "one-stop-shop qualified custodian" for financial institutions.
Crypto.com's donations have been particularly focused on Trump-aligned causes. In January, the company contributed another $5 million to MAGA Inc., bringing the total to $35 million in just over a year. This aligns with its broader strategy of building ties to the president and his associates. Earlier last year, Crypto.com announced a strategic partnership with Trump Media and Technology Group, leading to the launch of Trump-branded crypto ETFs and a prediction market tied to Trump's social media platform, Truth Social.
While other major crypto companies like Coinbase, Ripple, and Tether have opted to fund their own non-partisan super PACs focused on crypto policy, Crypto.com has taken a different approach. The majority of its political spending has gone directly to pro-Trump initiatives, setting it apart from peers. This strategy seems to have paid dividends, as the company has reaped regulatory benefits following its donations.
The significance of these developments lies in their potential impact on Crypto.com's growth and market positioning. By aligning with Trump and his administration, the exchange appears to have strengthened its relationship with key regulatory agencies. The approval of a national banking charter is a major milestone, as it positions Crypto.com to expand its services and attract institutional investors.
Overall, Crypto.com's strategy of combining political donations with strategic partnerships has proven effective in navigating the crypto regulatory landscape. As the company continues to pursue its goals, its ability to leverage these connections will likely play a crucial role in shaping its future success in the cryptocurrency industry.
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Originally published on Decrypt on 2/24/2026