FameEX Hot Topics | Trump’s Crypto Revolution Triggers Resignation of 700 SEC Staff Across Washington

Over 700 employees at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) have stepped down in recent weeks, amid a sweeping effort to reduce the federal workforce and reform digital asset policy—both key components of former President Donald Trump’s broader government agenda. This wave of resignations has sparked optimism within the cryptocurrency sector, where many see a chance for a more supportive regulatory framework to emerge, potentially reshaping the future of crypto oversight in the U.S.

According to a Reuters report citing five anonymous sources, the resignations are part of a voluntary departure program tied to Trump’s federal downsizing initiative. The program has prompted a significant number of senior officials and lawyers—particularly from the SEC’s enforcement and legal teams—to exit the agency. Since late January, over 700 staff members have submitted their resignations, including more than 150 from the enforcement division. Sources also indicated that more than a dozen high-ranking personnel accepted early buyout offers.

This exodus is part of a larger initiative backed by Trump, Elon Musk, and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which collectively argue that the federal bureaucracy is bloated and in need of streamlining. To encourage attrition, the White House launched financial incentives for early retirements and voluntary resignations earlier this year. The deadline for SEC employees to accept these offers passed last Friday, and while over 600 exits have already been confirmed, the final count may climb higher as pending decisions are finalized.

The SEC’s Division of Enforcement and the Office of General Counsel are among the most affected units, according to two sources familiar with the matter. The agency’s latest budget report to Congress indicates that the resignations represent more than 12% of the entire SEC workforce. This wave of departures began under Acting Chairman Mark Uyeda. Meanwhile, Trump’s nominee to head the SEC, Paul Atkins, is scheduled to appear before Congress next week. The agency is currently navigating internal restructuring, potential office closures, and a shift in strategic priorities.

These developments coincide with a dramatic policy shift at the SEC regarding digital assets. Under Trump’s pro-crypto direction, the agency has started dropping several enforcement actions against cryptocurrency firms. A new crypto task force, led by Commissioner Hester Peirce, has also been launched, and the White House recently hosted its first-ever crypto summit. These steps are seen as laying the groundwork for a more innovation-driven and investor-friendly regulatory climate.

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