Gemini Co-Founders Accused of Influencing New CFTC Chair Nominee
Former CFTC Commissioner Brian Quintenz claims that Gemini founders Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss tried to influence his path to becoming teh next CFTC Chair. In a detailed X post on September 9, 2025, Quintenz revealed text messages from July 24 showing the twins questioning him about the CFTC’s 2022 lawsuit against Gemini.
Tyler Winklevoss specifically asked Quintenz how he would “align with President trump’s mandate to end the lawfare” regarding their prior litigation. tyler offered to raise the matter with the President if needed. However, Quintenz refused to give any promises, stating that such decisions should depend on full Senate approval. Soon after, the white House asked the Senate Agriculture Committee to pause his nomination, stalling the confirmation process.
This incident comes as Gemini prepares for a Nasdaq listing with a $3 billion market cap goal. The twins’ concerns about regulatory moves might have intensified due to this timing. Quintenz argues that their outreach was an attempt to sway an autonomous regulator for private benefit.
The conflict between Gemini and the CFTC started in June 2022, over allegedly misleading statements during Gemini’s attempt to launch a Bitcoin futures contract in 2017. Gemini denies wrongdoing. In June 2025, Gemini filed a complaint with the CFTC’s Office of Inspector General, accusing the Enforcement Division of misconduct, including wasting taxpayer money and misrepresenting facts.
Tyler Winklevoss called for reform within the CFTC, alleging seven years of “lawfare trophy hunting.” Neither the Winklevoss twins nor the CFTC has publicly responded to Quintenz’s claims.
