The recent executive orders signed by U.S. President Donald Trump have been met with praise from Summer Mersinger, the CEO of the Blockchain Association. Mersinger hailed the directives as a “historic shift in how the U.S. treats digital assets and the innovators building in this space.”
Trump’s executive orders, signed on August 7, include one that allows for crypto and alternative assets to be included in 401(k) plans, and another that penalizes banks for debanking—denying customer service based on ideological reasons.
In response to the announcement, Mersinger issued a statement via the association’s official X account, calling the orders “landmark” actions. She emphasized the importance of ending the discriminatory practice of debanking lawful crypto companies and expanding consumer choice by allowing Americans to include regulated crypto exposure in their retirement accounts.
The move was praised as a way to empower individuals to responsibly build wealth using some of the best-performing assets of the past decade. Mersinger commended the administration for taking a whole-of-government approach to cement American leadership in financial innovation and protect the freedom of individuals and businesses to participate in the digital economy.
While Trump’s debanking order has been seen as a win for financial access advocates, there are concerns about possible reputational risk issues. On the other hand, supporters of crypto see the 401(k) move as a step toward mainstream adoption of digital assets in the U.S.
Trump’s focus on transforming U.S. financial policy, especially regarding blockchain technology, has been evident in recent appointments and directives. The appointment of businessman Paul Atkins to lead the SEC and the order for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to explore cryptocurrencies in mortgage risk assessments are part of this broader push.
The latest executive orders from Trump are seen as another step in his efforts to reshape the U.S. financial system. The actions have been applauded by the Blockchain Association and are viewed as a positive development for the digital asset space.
This article was originally published on Cryptonews and has been rewritten to provide a unique perspective on the impact of Trump’s executive orders on digital assets and financial innovation.