Trump’s CFTC Appoints Crypto Lawyer to Lead Shrinking Enforcement Team
Decrypt
by Sander LutzMarch 2, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has appointed David Miller, a seasoned white-collar attorney specializing in crypto defense, to lead its enforcement division amid significant staff reductions under President Trump. This move comes as the CFTC seeks to expand its regulatory authority over the cryptocurrency market and prediction markets, despite a sharp decline in enforcement actions. The agency's enforcement division, which has lost nearly all its staff at its Chicago office, is now tasked with balancing oversight and fostering innovation.
Miller, who previously worked at Greenberg Traurig and served as a federal prosecutor, brings expertise in defending clients against regulatory challenges. His appointment aligns with the CFTC’s stated goal of focusing on fraud prevention rather than policy-setting. However, critics argue that the drastic reduction in enforcement personnel has led to a precipitous drop in recovered monetary relief for investors—from $17.1 billion in 2024 to just $9.2 million in 2025.
This shift raises concerns about the CFTC’s ability to regulate emerging markets effectively. Crypto enthusiasts and industry leaders are closely monitoring whether the agency can uphold market integrity while promoting innovation. The outcome of this balancing act will have significant implications for the future of cryptocurrency regulation and the protection of investors.
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Originally published on Decrypt on 3/2/2026