# DOJ Disbands National Cryptocurrency Enforcement Team Amid Regulatory Shift
The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) has decided to disband the National Cryptocurrency Enforcement Team (NCET). This move comes in the wake of recent actions by the Trump administration aimed at relaxing stringent regulations on the cryptocurrency industry. Industry leaders believe that President Trump’s policies will foster innovation in the crypto space and enhance capital flow.
## DOJ To Shift Regulatory Focus
The Department has announced its intention to dissolve the NCET and redirect its efforts toward prosecuting cases of victimization against digital asset investors. U.S. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche emphasized that the DOJ is not a cryptocurrency regulator and criticized the previous administration for employing the Department to implement reckless regulations through a prosecution-focused strategy. “In line with the narrowing of enforcement policy regarding digital assets, the Market Integrity and Major Funds Unit will cease cryptocurrency enforcement to prioritize other areas, such as immigration and procurement fraud. The National Cryptocurrency Enforcement Team (NCET) will be disbanded effective immediately,” the statement indicated. This decision aligns with the Trump administration’s recent initiatives to reduce regulatory burdens and establish clearer guidelines. The prior administration had adopted a regulation-by-enforcement approach, which resulted in numerous lawsuits against digital asset companies and their executives.
The NCET was created in 2021 with the goal of regulating the industry, particularly for investor protection. The unit was involved in significant cases, including investigations into Tornado Cash and Avraham Eisenberg. The Department charged Tornado Cash with money laundering, while Eisenberg faced charges related to the notorious $100 million exploit of Mango Market. However, it was the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), led by Gary Gensler, that played a prominent role in the last administration’s aggressive stance toward the market. The SEC has recently decided to pause its cases involving Binance and other firms while seeking a potential resolution.
## Trump’s Crypto Master Plan Taking Shape
During his campaign, President Trump promised to position the United States as the global leader in cryptocurrency and Artificial Intelligence (AI). Following his election victory, he appointed pro-crypto candidates to key roles, reaffirming his commitment to driving innovation. To date, the administration has set up a crypto task force and issued an executive order to create a strategic bitcoin reserve. Additionally, various states have introduced legislation aimed at establishing their own Bitcoin and crypto reserves. These initiatives have sparked significant institutional interest in the U.S. crypto market. However, recent tariff decisions from the White House have led to a decline in crypto asset prices, mirroring trends in the stock market.
