Acting Comptroller Gould states only Democratic lawmakers are pressuring his agency on World Liberty Financial’s pending trust charter application.
Acting Comptroller of the Currency Michael Gould accused Democratic lawmakers of unprecedented political pressure regarding World Liberty Financial’s application for a national bank trust charter. Gould stated at a congressional hearing that only Democrats, not Republicans, have pressured him on the matter, calling it “unfortunate and unprecedented.” The OCC has previously approved trust charters for other crypto firms, including Coinbase and Fidelity Digital Assets, under Gould’s leadership since July 2025.
World Liberty Financial, linked to former President Donald Trump’s family, submitted its application in January. Gould had earlier pledged an “apolitical and nonpartisan” review process. Democratic lawmakers, including Rep. Gregory Meeks and Sen. Elizabeth Warren, have urged Gould to apply stricter scrutiny or pause the review, citing concerns over potential conflicts of interest. The OCC’s decision could set a precedent for crypto-related banking charters.
No immediate market reaction was reported following Gould’s remarks. The OCC’s final decision on World Liberty’s application remains pending, with no timeline provided.