Rep. French Hill Calls for Gary Gensler to Step Down by 2025

U.S. Representative French Hill (R-AR) recently stated on the Thinking Crypto podcast that new leadership is needed at the SEC, regardless of the 2024 presidential election outcome.

French Hill on Thinking Crypto Podcast, Source: Twitter

Hill, along with other Republican lawmakers, has criticized SEC Chair Gary Gensler for his approach to cryptocurrency regulation, arguing that it lacks a clear, helpful framework for digital assets. 

Hill called Gensler’s strategy “fear-mongering,” claiming that the SEC’s regulatory attack on the cryptocurrency sector was an abuse of power and unlawful conduct.

The U.S., ranked fourth on the 2024 Global Crypto Adoption Index by Chainalysis, trails behind countries like India, Nigeria, and Indonesia, highlighting the importance of a robust regulatory approach for continued growth in the industry.

Hill suggested that the SEC should adopt exemptive relief measures that support innovation while ensuring compliance, and he recommended a pro-innovation stance toward emerging industries like crypto.

Brad Garlinghouse, the CEO of Ripple Labs, recently repeated these views, saying that regardless of the outcome of the election, Gensler’s tenure as SEC Chair would soon come to an end. 

When Gensler appeared before the Senate in late September, his record on crypto regulation was closely examined. During a long session, he defended his actions, rejecting claims of a “government-coordinated” attempt to stifle the crypto industry, which some have dubbed “Operation Choke Point 2.0.”

Nonetheless, Rep. Tom Emmer and other members of the House Financial Services Committee contended that Gensler’s term has been “historically destructive,” charging him with creating an unduly restrictive regulatory environment.

The upcoming presidential election could heavily influence Gensler’s future. Democratic candidate Kamala Harris is expected to face pressure from donors to replace Gensler in hopes of improving relations with the crypto sector. Republican frontrunner Donald Trump has pledged to remove Gensler if elected, supporting the GOP’s push for digital asset innovation in the U.S.

Although Gensler’s term runs until 2026, political changes after the election could lead to leadership shifts at the SEC, as incoming presidents often seek new heads for key regulatory positions, especially in contentious areas like cryptocurrency.