Advocacy Organizations Call on Trump to Affirm 'Code is Speech' Principle in Storm Retrial

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Advocacy Organizations Call on Trump to Affirm 'Code is Speech' Principle in Storm Retrial

Bitget-RWA2025/11/20 19:48

By:Bitget-RWA

- Over 65 crypto groups urge Trump to dismiss charges against Tornado Cash developer Roman Storm, arguing "code is not a crime." - Advocates demand regulatory clarity on DeFi, tax rules for staking, and protections for decentralized projects via executive action. - Storm's retrial highlights DOJ's inconsistent stance on code-as-speech, with prosecutors clashing over constitutional protections. - Outcome could set a precedent for U.S. crypto innovation, balancing enforcement with First Amendment rights. - T

Groups supporting the cryptocurrency sector are ramping up efforts to urge President Donald Trump to step in regarding the new trial of Roman Storm, a developer behind Tornado Cash. This move is part of a broader push for clearer regulations and legal safeguards for the crypto industry. More than 65 organizations—including the Solana Policy Institute, Blockchain Association, and DeFi Education Fund—sent a letter to the White House on November 20, requesting that Trump instruct the Department of Justice to drop all charges against Storm and

reverse his conviction for running an unlicensed money transmission operation

. The alliance further pressed for swift reforms on tax policies, DeFi protections, and updated regulatory systems

according to data

Storm, who was found guilty on one charge in August 2025 and faces two more retrials, has consistently argued that "writing code is not a crime." His defense maintains that creating Tornado Cash is a form of free speech protected by the First Amendment

as research shows

. The Department of Justice has shown mixed positions: Matthew Galeotti, the acting assistant attorney general for the criminal division, remarked that "simply writing code, without malicious intent, does not constitute a crime," yet the interim U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York opposed Storm’s request for acquittal

according to reports

. A court meeting to address the retrial is set for January 22, and no sentencing date has been set for the single conviction

according to sources

The letter to Trump underscores his executive power to influence policy and references his previous pardons of crypto figures, such as Binance founder Changpeng Zhao in October 2025

according to data

. The coalition pointed to Trump’s executive order from January, which aimed to establish the U.S. as the "crypto capital of the world," and called on agencies like the IRS and Treasury to clarify tax rules for staking, token bridging, and crypto donations

as evidence shows

. They also urged the SEC to implement safe harbor provisions for decentralized initiatives and asked the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network to update regulations affecting non-custodial blockchain software

according to analysis

Advocacy Organizations Call on Trump to Affirm 'Code is Speech' Principle in Storm Retrial image 0

The demand for clearer regulations comes as debates about DeFi oversight continue. During a recent CFTC nomination session, chair nominee Michael Selig stressed the importance of establishing clear rules for onchain platforms, saying it was "crucial to have regulatory oversight" in digital commodity markets

as reported

. Meanwhile, the SEC’s Crypto Task Force is being urged to work with other divisions to provide interim guidance for DeFi creators

according to industry sources

The coalition’s requests are in line with recommendations from the President’s Working Group on Digital Assets, which outlined ways the administration could support legislative progress

according to analysis

. Still, the Justice Department’s handling of cases like Storm’s remains controversial, as prosecutors weigh law enforcement against constitutional rights for software creators.

With the retrial approaching, its outcome could set a benchmark for how the U.S. approaches crypto innovation. Advocates believe that dropping the case against Storm would affirm the idea that "code is speech" and

demonstrate support for the sector’s advancement

. For now, internal debates within the DOJ and Trump’s possible involvement are expected to influence the direction of crypto regulation in 2026.

Disclaimer: The content of this article solely reflects the author's opinion and does not represent the platform in any capacity. This article is not intended to serve as a reference for making investment decisions.

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