Trump-Era Staff Reductions at CFTC Hamper Regulation of Crypto and Prediction Markets

Staffing reductions during the Trump administration have significantly hindered the Commodity Futures Trading Commission's (CFTC) enforcement capabilities and its ability to regulate the expanding cryptocurrency and prediction markets. Data from the U.S. Office of Personnel Management indicates a 21% decrease in CFTC staff by the end of 2025 compared to the previous decade's average, with enforcement actions dropping by nearly 80% in 2025. This decline is attributed to the administration's platform of being friendlier to the crypto industry, leading to departures or forced exits of enforcement personnel.