In a bold move on November 13, President-elect Donald Trump nominated Florida Representative Matt Gaetz as the next U.S. Attorney General. Gaetz, a prominent supporter of Bitcoin and digital assets, announced his immediate resignation from Congress following the nomination, effectively ending an ongoing House Ethics Committee investigation into allegations of misconduct.

Gaetz has been known for his forward-thinking stance on cryptocurrency, notably introducing a bill in June that would allow Americans to pay their federal taxes in Bitcoin. The bill, inspired by his visit to El Salvador, aimed to "modernize" the U.S. tax system by integrating digital payments.

Trump's nomination of Gaetz signals a potential shift in the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) stance on cryptocurrency regulation. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Trump praised Gaetz's dedication to reforming the DOJ, hinting at Gaetz’s plans to address what he calls the “government weaponization” of federal agencies.

With his new role, Gaetz is expected to advocate for a regulatory framework that encourages innovation within the digital asset space while maintaining oversight. His history on the House Judiciary Committee, where he focused on government oversight, could bring fresh scrutiny to current policies on digital currencies.

Gaetz’s track record in Congress includes backing pro-crypto legislation, such as the Financial Innovation and Technology for the 21st Century Act, aimed at advancing the U.S. digital economy. As Attorney General, he may push for policies that align the U.S. with crypto-friendly nations like El Salvador.

In May, Gaetz co-sponsored a bipartisan bill to restrict members of Congress from owning or trading certain assets, potentially setting a tone for his tenure at the DOJ. His appointment may elevate crypto policy to a central focus within the new administration.