The New Sheriffs of Crypto and Tech: Meet Paul Atkins and Gail Slater

President-elect Donald Trump has made two significant nominations that are stirring up both the crypto and tech worlds: Paul Atkins for the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Gail Slater for the Justice Department's antitrust division. Let's break down what this means. Paul Atkins, who has been championing crypto since 2017 as co-chair of the Token Alliance, is expected to take a lighter regulatory approach towards cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. This is a big deal for the crypto community, which has been bracing for stricter rules under the Biden administration. Trump's pick reflects his belief in the power of innovation to drive the economy forward.On the tech side, Gail Slater, a seasoned Beltway insider, is set to lead the antitrust division. She's no stranger to the tech industry, having worked with some of its biggest players. Trump hopes she'll keep the pressure on Big Tech, continuing the fight against monopolies that his administration started. These nominations come with mixed reactions. The crypto community is celebrating Atkins' appointment, with Bitcoin prices surging after the announcement. Meanwhile, tech giants might be feeling a bit nervous about Slater's appointment, given her track record and Trump's history of criticizing the industry. Both nominees bring a wealth of experience to their roles. Atkins served as an SEC commissioner under Bush, and Slater has worked in various policy roles, including at the Federal Trade Commission and the Trump White House.