Tether Weighs U.S.-Only Stablecoin Amid Potential Pro-Crypto Trump Regulations

Tether, the issuer of the world’s most traded stablecoin, is considering launching a U.S.-only version of its token if the Trump administration introduces favorable regulations to support domestic stablecoin development.

Paolo Ardoino, CEO of Tether, revealed in an interview with the Financial Times that discussions are underway with U.S. regulators regarding the framework for stablecoins, which are digital tokens typically pegged to fiat currencies like the U.S. dollar.

According to Ardoino, the administration views stablecoins as a crucial financial instrument for the U.S. economy.

If new regulations provide a competitive landscape for domestic issuers, Tether could create a settlement-focused stablecoin specifically for the U.S. market.

Although over $144 billion worth of Tether tokens are currently in circulation, the company does not accept American customers.

Tether’s operations have long drawn scrutiny.

U.S. law enforcement and prosecutors have linked the token to international criminal activity, though Tether has consistently denied these claims.

Ardoino said the company is proactively cooperating with U.S. authorities, noting that it voluntarily works with agencies such as the FBI, the Secret Service, and the Department of Justice without waiting for formal court orders.

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It’s collapsing because the U.S. government is quietly about to unleash new HARSH stablecoin regulations that will obliterate Tether—erasing it from existence. It's about time.

For those who aren't aware, Tether props up nearly 85%+ of… pic.twitter.com/9D8Cva6ai7

Trump’s return to office has significantly shifted the regulatory environment. Since January, he has pledged to make the U.S. “the crypto capital of the planet” and requested new rules for stablecoins by August.

Regulatory enforcement has also eased, with the Securities and Exchange Commission pausing or ending several ongoing cases against crypto firms.

Ardoino said the more welcoming environment has encouraged him to visit the U.S. for the first time.

Tether, which is headquartered in El Salvador, is also a substantial investor in U.S. government debt, primarily using Treasury bills to back its reserves.

Rising U.S. interest rates helped the company earn an unaudited profit of $13 billion last year.

Ardoino said the firm is now more open to full transparency and has begun discussions with Big Four accounting firms about conducting a full audit—something critics have demanded for years.

Tether’s reserves are currently managed by Cantor Fitzgerald, a financial firm long led by Howard Lutnick, who now serves as U.S. Commerce Secretary.

Last month, it was revealed that Tether has engaged with U.S. lawmakers to help shape federal regulations for the stablecoin sector.

As reported, the company has been in discussions with Representatives Bryan Steil and French Hill, key figures behind the STABLE Act introduced on Feb. 6.

Ardoino reportedly confirmed that the company is also seeking to contribute to two additional stablecoin bills proposed by other legislators.

More recently, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell affirmed the central bank’s support for developing a regulatory framework around stablecoins during a Senate hearing on February 11.

Powell stated that the Federal Reserve supports the creation of a regulatory framework for stablecoins, noting the importance of protecting consumers and savers.

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