Key Takeaways:
- Brian Quintenz released private texts with the Winklevoss twins, suggesting they tried to block his CFTC nomination over regulatory concerns.
- The texts show Tyler Winklevoss criticizing the CFTC and seeking reassurances Quintenz says he refused to give.
- The disclosure comes just before Gemini’s expected IPO, targeting a $3 billion valuation.
Brian Quintenz, nominated by President Donald Trump to chair the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), has released private text messages exchanged with Gemini co-founders Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss.
Quintenz said he disclosed the texts because he believed Trump “might have been misled” by the Gemini founders.
I’ve never been inclined to release private messages. But in light of my support for the President and belief that he might have been misled, I’ve posted here the messages that include the questions Tyler Winklevoss asked me pertaining to their prior litigation with the CFTC.
— Brian Quintenz (@BrianQuintenz) September 10, 2025
I… pic.twitter.com/MN75M1XUpT
In the messages, Tyler Winklevoss referenced Gemini’s legal battle with the CFTC, which ended in a $5 million settlement in January, accusing the agency of unfair practices.
According to Quintenz, the brothers appeared to seek assurances about future enforcement actions, describing the CFTC’s behavior as “lawfare trophy hunting.”
Quintenz stated he refused to provide such promises, and afterward, the twins reportedly contacted the White House to pause his confirmation.
A Senate Agriculture Committee hearing on his nomination was postponed in July at the administration’s request.
The timing of Quintenz’s disclosure is significant, coming less than two days before Gemini’s planned IPO, which targets a $3 billion valuation.
It remains unclear whether these revelations will impact investor sentiment surrounding the offering.