Madison Cawthorn Under Ethics Investigation for Meme Coin Promotion
Datum: 15.02.2024
David Madison Cawthorn, Representative for North Carolina’s 11th Congressional District, is currently under investigation by the House Ethics Committee for improperly endorsing Meme coin. The official notice was seen by CryptoChipy. The core issue involves financial gain derived from a social media post, with Madison defending that his message was meant to support NASCAR driver Brandon Brown.

Confessing to Meme Coin Ownership

Madison has confirmed that he owns Meme coin. However, he denies that his post had any effect on the subsequent rise and crash of the digital currency after a month. The incident suggests a possible pump-and-dump scheme, which could lead to financial misconduct charges as the congressman failed to disclose his interest in the cryptocurrency. A subcommittee, led by Texas Representative Veronica Escobar, will investigate the facts surrounding the allegations. This inquiry comes after Madison lost in the Republican primaries to retain his North Carolina seat. He had previously been seen as a rising figure within the GOP, particularly among pro-Trump supporters.

Cryptocurrency trading is legal in the US at both the state and federal levels. In March, President Joe Biden signed an executive order directing both federal and state agencies to create regulatory frameworks for cryptocurrencies. Currently, agencies like the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) are responsible for overseeing cryptocurrency trading, among other online trading activities. The ultimate aim is to facilitate investment and financial innovation.

However, public officials are required to declare any interest in digital currencies. According to federal insider trading laws, public servants are prohibited from promoting cryptocurrency schemes for personal gain or on behalf of others. The post that was seen by CryptoChipy contained messages supporting “Let’s Go Brandon” as Brown prepared for the 2022 season. The exact wording was “LGB (Let’s Go Brandon) legends. Tomorrow we go to the Moon.”

Insider Trading Regulations at the Federal Level

An insider is someone who has access to confidential information about a company or business operations. This can include company owners, shareholders, or anyone with a relationship to the principal shareholders. By admitting to owning Meme coin, Madison is subject to federal insider trading laws. The Instagram photo with Brandon and its caption served as a promotional message, which violates the law prohibiting trading on material non-public information.

Just one day after the post, Brandon announced that Meme coin would officially sponsor him for the season. This announcement caused a 75% surge in the cryptocurrency’s demand, a clear sign that Madison, by virtue of his connection to Meme coin, shared insider information that stimulated the market. This resulted in a price spike, which is considered an insider trading violation. If Madison is found guilty, he could face monetary fines up to three times the amount involved and be barred from holding any executive role within the company.

Cryptocurrency Regulations in the United States

The Biden administration is pushing for cryptocurrencies to adhere to both financial and corporate regulations. With the exponential growth of cryptocurrencies worldwide, Madison’s case could set an important precedent for future legal challenges. Although the country’s crypto regulations are not yet fully implemented, various financial agencies are actively monitoring cryptocurrency trading. The Federal Reserve has also developed its own digital currency to serve as a guideline for cryptocurrencies.

Young politicians are pushing for decentralized policy initiatives, with cryptocurrency fundraising becoming a key focus. In future elections, cryptocurrencies are expected to play a significant role in shaping political outcomes, as seen in the case of David Madison Cawthorn. While the law on insider trading is clear, the impact of digital sponsorships on business and policy is still unfolding, and many are watching to see how it will affect future initiatives.

Although the market capitalization of Meme coin eventually dropped to zero in late January 2022, Madison was instrumental in spurring the surge in demand following the post on December 30th. By mid-January 2022, many insiders had liquidated their holdings, and NASCAR rejected the sponsorship deal, which led to the collapse of the digital coin. This sequence of events triggered the investigation into Madison’s involvement with Meme coin.

Pravo na odgovor

Blake Harp, Madison’s Chief of Staff, framed the congressional hearing as an “opportunity to prove that the congressman is not guilty of any wrongdoing.” Harp described the allegations as partisan and claimed they were made by political opponents seeking to gain an advantage. Even as Madison’s term draws to a close, Harp emphasized that these charges would not deter the congressman from staying focused on his duties. Their goal is to continue fulfilling the promises made to the people of North Carolina’s 11th Congressional District.

CryptoChipy is closely monitoring the hearing and its potential effects on cryptocurrency holding companies.