Trump Signs Cryptocurrency Regulation Bill, Ignores Epstein Questions
WASHINGTON – President Trump opted not to address a reporter’s query regarding the ongoing Jeffrey Epstein controversy during an appearance on Friday. Instead, he focused on signing a new law aimed at regulating cryptocurrency, particularly enhancing the reliance on “stablecoins” tied to the dollar, which facilitate quick financial transactions.
At the signing ceremony in the White House East Room, attended by notable figures including Republican representative David Sacks, Trump humorously remarked, “They named it after me, the act of genius.”
The legislation, known as the US Stubcoin Act, was backed by Sen. Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.) and aims to modernize what Trump labeled as the chaotic digital payment framework in the country.
Stablecoins are intended to provide users with an alternative to the fluctuations seen in cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. However, buyers must still trust that these coins are indeed backed by tangible assets like the dollar.
The bill received bipartisan support, passing the Senate with a vote of 68-30 and the House with a tally of 308-122, establishing standards and oversight designed to foster consumer confidence and protection.
“It transforms dollar management and updates outdated payment systems with innovative technologies,” Sachs commented before the ceremonial signing.
As Trump concluded the day’s only public event, he did not entertain further inquiries from reporters.
Despite Trump’s focus on promoting his contributions to cryptocurrency regulation, he notably avoided delving into the escalating Epstein scandal.
The controversy reignited interest after former FBI Director Comey secured a conviction against Epstein’s associate, Ghislaine Maxwell, resulting in a 20-year prison sentence for her. Trump’s administration seemed to rebreathe life into the matter after a noteworthy public reaction.
Interestingly, Attorney General Pam Bondi suggested that “full disclosure is not appropriate or guaranteed,” even amidst “over 1,000 casualties,” claiming that there was insufficient evidence to investigate individuals tied to the case.
A memo indicated that Epstein died by suicide in his prison cell on August 10, 2019, though the release of surveillance footage taken near his cell has been questioned.
In the past, Trump has had social ties with Epstein during the 1990s and early 2000s. He has accused Democrats of promoting a false narrative against him, even as some of his own supporters seek to shed light on allegations of powerful men engaging in sexual crimes against minors.
Other notable figures, including former President Bill Clinton, Prince Andrew, and Microsoft founder Bill Gates, have also been associated with Epstein, with Prince Andrew facing allegations related to sexual misconduct involving a minor linked to Epstein.
