President Trump will meet with senators at the White House on Thursday to hash out the ethics section of the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act — a provision that would restrict senior government officials from holding personal crypto interests and that directly targets Trump's own ties. The meeting comes as the bill's path to passage narrows, with Democrats insisting on the ethics language as a condition for their support.
The ethics provision at the center of the fight
The ethics section would bar senior government officials from maintaining personal business interests in the crypto sector. Trump disclosed making over $1 billion from crypto involvement in 2025, giving critics ammunition. A group of Democratic senators held a press conference calling for opposition to the bill if it does not sever what they called Trump's 'corrupt' ties to the crypto sector.
A failed amendment and a narrow committee vote
The bill cleared the Senate Banking Committee in a 15-9 vote, with Democrats Ruben Gallego and Angela Alsobrooks joining Republicans. An amendment from Senator Chris Van Hollen to bar the president, vice president, and members of Congress from crypto ties failed 11-13. That vote showed the ethics language is a sticking point even among some Democrats.
The clock ticks toward the August recess
Senate Majority Leader John Thune hopes to bring the bill to the floor before the August 7 recess, but said a vote could happen even without a deal. Galaxy Research puts odds of passage at 50-50 due to the narrow legislative window. The timing isn't great — lawmakers have just a few weeks to resolve a dispute that has been simmering for months.
Revised draft expected as early as Wednesday
Senator Cynthia Lummis said a revised draft could circulate as soon as Wednesday, but negotiators are weighing whether to include the ethics language or postpone it. If they punt, Democrats may block the bill. If they include it, Trump's team may balk. Thursday's meeting at the White House will likely determine which path the bill takes.
