Senior member of the U.S. Senate Banking Committee, Senator Elizabeth Warren, questioned the relationship between President Trump's nominee for Commerce Secretary, Howard Lutnick, and Tether, citing potential conflicts of interest. She criticized Tether's connections with sanctioned entities and highlighted broader concerns. While Lutnick would not directly oversee cryptocurrency regulation, his department has issued reports on industry oversight. Additionally, some believe that Lutnick's close ties to Trump could have an impact as his company's client Tether is under strict scrutiny from U.S regulators and investigators. Warren stated: "I am deeply concerned about Lutnick’s past work with a company that was investigated for its links to sanctioned entities such as Russian arms dealers and North Korean nuclear weapons programs. The Commerce Secretary should be fighting for America’s interests—not focusing on his own personal gain or the interests of former clients who undermine our national security."