Cynthia Lummis Threatens Action Over Alleged FDIC Document Destruction

Senator Cynthia Lummis has issued a warning to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) regarding allegations of document destruction related to “Operation Choke Point 2.0” (OCP 2.0). Whistleblowers have accused the agency of withholding and destroying materials tied to the alleged anti-crypto campaign. This has intensified scrutiny over the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation’s practices.

Senator Cynthia Lummis Demands FDIC Preserve Documents Tied To OCP 2.0

In a letter dated January 16, 2025, Senator Cynthia Lummis addressed FDIC Chair Marty Gruenberg, demanding immediate action to preserve all documents linked to OCP 2.0. The initiative allegedly involved a multi-agency effort to limit crypto businesses’ access to banking services.

The pro-crypto Lummis warned that any destruction of these documents or retaliation against whistleblowers could result in criminal referrals to the Department of Justice. She emphasized that obstructing Senate oversight is illegal and unacceptable. The letter also referenced whistleblower claims that staff access to these materials is being closely monitored to prevent disclosure.

Addressing, Marty Gruenberg,  the FDIC Chair, pro-crypto Senator Cynthia Lummis added,

“This is illegal and unacceptable. You are directed to ensure your staff cease and desist destruction of all materials and end all retaliatory actions immediately.”

Moreover, this warning comes amid reports that Donald Trump’s advisory team, including Elon Musk, is considering eliminating the FDIC as part of a banking sector overhaul. The proposed changes include merging the FDIC, OCC, and Federal Reserve’s nonmonetary functions to streamline regulation. Advisors have also floated the idea of transferring deposit insurance responsibilities to the Treasury Department.

Whistleblower Allegations and FDIC Compliance Issues

Whistleblowers allege that FDIC management has taken steps to prevent the release of critical information tied to OCP 2.0. These efforts reportedly include threats of legal action against staff who speak out and deliberate attempts to destroy key documents.

The controversy extends to the wind-down of Signature Bank and Silvergate Bank, two institutions with strong ties to the crypto industry. These closures have been central to ongoing investigations into the broader crackdown on crypto businesses. 

Notably, the pro-crypto Senator Cynthia Lummis recently probed the U.S. Marshals over their proposed plans to sell seized Bitcoin. Lummis flagged concerns about the timing of the sale, citing its contradiction with President-elect Donald Trump’s Bitcoin Reserve agenda.

Scott Bessent Opposes CBDC Amid Crypto Debate

Meanwhile, Scott Bessent, President Donald Trump’s Treasury pick, has voiced opposition to the creation of a U.S. central bank digital currency (CBDC). In a recent Senate hearing, Bessent argued that the U.S. dollar already provides secure investment alternatives, making a CBDC unnecessary.

Bessent’s stance aligns with Trump’s broader support for Bitcoin and skepticism of foreign CBDCs. He emphasized that Bitcoin mining safeguards against other nations’ adoption of centralized digital currencies. This reinforces Trump’s pro-crypto policies and highlights the administration’s preference for decentralized financial systems.

Nonetheless, most recently, Trump’s Treasury nominee Scott Bessent faced scrutiny from Senator Elizabeth Warren before his Senate Finance Committee confirmation hearing. Warren’s 31-page letter questions Bessent’s views on crypto regulation, including the potential authority of OFAC over stablecoins to combat risks like money laundering.