Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss, prominent supporters of former President Donald Trump, are demonstrating their growing political influence in Washington despite an ongoing dispute with Brian Quintenz, a Trump-nominated candidate for Chairman of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). The conflict emerged as the billionaire brothers’ cryptocurrency firm, Gemini Space Station, prepared for its initial public offering. Private messages revealed by Quintenz show Tyler Winklevoss expressing frustration over regulatory actions taken against Gemini during the Biden administration and seeking Quintenz’s assistance in reopening the investigation. In July, Winklevoss described the seven-year legal battle as “outrageous” in communications posted on social media platform X. Although Quintenz expressed sympathy, he declined to comment on Gemini’s recent complaint against the CFTC. Shortly thereafter, the brothers contacted President Trump, resulting in the suspension of Quintenz’s nomination. The 44-year-old Winklevoss twins, who have financially supported Trump’s campaigns and pro-cryptocurrency political groups, are among industry executives advocating for crypto-friendly leadership at the CFTC, which plays a critical role in digital asset regulation. Their opposition to Quintenz, a Republican with strong industry backing, has puzzled observers. Lee Reiners, a cryptocurrency industry critic and Duke University lecturer, characterized the move as retaliatory rather than policy-driven. The brothers, known for their high-profile legal disputes including their landmark case against Mark Zuckerberg over Facebook’s origins, have evolved from Olympic rowers to technology investors. They began acquiring bitcoin in 2012 when prices were below $10 and founded Gemini exchange in 2014. Their recent IPO raised $425 million, with the twins maintaining 94.7% voting control despite recent stock price declines below the $28 offering price. Their political engagement includes nearly $5 million in donations to pro-cryptocurrency groups supporting industry-friendly candidates and a recent $21 million bitcoin donation to a pro-Trump super PAC. Trump himself has praised the brothers, notably referring to them as “incredibly smart male models” during a bitcoin conference speech that marked his transition from cryptocurrency skeptic to supporter. The brothers have benefited from the Trump administration’s lighter regulatory approach, including a recent preliminary resolution with the SEC over a Biden-era lawsuit involving Gemini’s interest-bearing product. They have consistently advocated for consequences against officials involved in what they perceive as unfair treatment of their company.
