Connect with us

Coin Market

US lawmaker proposes crypto ATMs in federal buildings

Published

on

A Texas member of the US House of Representatives has proposed that government officials consider installing cryptocurrency ATMs in federal buildings across the country.

In a May 1 letter to Stephen Ehikian, the acting administrator of the General Services Administration (GSA) — the entity responsible for managing the US government’s properties — Rep. Lance Gooden claimed that introducing crypto ATMs to federal buildings would serve as an “educational resource” and reflect advances in financial technology. He requested that the GSA begin exploring the necessary guidelines and regulations needed to install such ATMs in government-controlled properties across the US, citing alignment with President Donald Trump’s goals.

May 1 letter pitching crypto ATMs to GSA. Source: Rep. Lance Gooden

According to financial disclosure reports filed with the US House of Representatives, Gooden had held no investments in cryptocurrency or ATM companies since taking office in 2019. He had not yet filed any financial disclosures with the government for 2025 investments.

The GSA website stated it may provide space to ATMs from federal credit unions, but it was unclear whether the acting administrator had the authority to expand the regulations to include digital asset ATMs tied to private companies like Bitcoin Depot or CoinFlip. Cointelegraph reached out to Gooden’s office for comment but did not receive a response at the time of publication.

Related: Eric Trump: USD1 will be used for $2B MGX investment in Binance

Gooden, a Republican and Trump supporter, made the proposal as lawmakers in the US Senate consider legislation to crack down on fraud through crypto ATMs. In February, Illinois Senator Dick Durbin introduced the Crypto ATM Fraud Prevention Act, aimed at placing “common sense guardrails” against fraud affecting many senior citizens.

Who would ultimately make the decision?

It’s unclear whether Ehikian, a Trump appointee, would have the authority to unilaterally — or even with the president’s approval — install the crypto ATMs without an act of Congress to authorize funding. Cointelegraph reached out to the GSA for comment but did not receive a response at the time of publication.

Trump has significant exposure to cryptocurrencies and digital asset firms through his personal holdings, presidential campaign funds, family-backed businesses, and the TRUMP memecoin. In April, the president announced a dinner in DC for top holders of his memecoin.

Magazine: Trump’s crypto ventures raise conflict of interest, insider trading questions

Continue Reading

Coin Market

Solana shows resilience, but some areas need continued observation, Fidelity says

Published

on

By

Solana has had no reported mainnet outages in two years, but concentrations in stake, hosting and client software should be monitored, according to a report.

Continue Reading

Coin Market

Circle’s Allaire says stablecoin issuer looking to enter 40 developing markets: Report

Published

on

By

Markets in Southeast Asia, Latin America, Africa and the Middle East see increasing demand for stablecoins.

Continue Reading

Coin Market

Lagarde says euro-area economy is resilient, digital euro imminent

Published

on

By

“The digital euro will further stimulate innovation and competition in retail payments,” according to the ECB president.

Continue Reading

Trending