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CFTC Sole Democratic Commissioner Kristin Johnson To Leave The Commission
09/16/2025On August 26, 2025, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”) announced that Commissioner Kristin Johnson will step down, effective September 3, 2025. Johnson, who was appointed in 2022, previously indicated her intent to leave when her term expired in April 2025, but—as is customary for commissioners—she continued to serve beyond that date.
Johnson’s departure is particularly significant because she is the CFTC’s sole Democratic commissioner. Her exit marks the fourth commissioner to resign under the Trump administration, leaving the agency only with Acting Chairman Caroline Pham, a Republican. Pham previously announced her intention to depart the agency upon the confirmation of a permanent Chairman. President Trump has nominated Brian Quintenz to serve as permanent Chairman, but his nomination has not yet been confirmed by the Senate. With Johnson’s departure, the Commission will be left with one commissioner, creating uncertainty about the Commission’s ability to conduct the business of the agency— at a time when the agency is positioned to play a leading role in the regulation of the digital assets markets.
Johnson has been an advocate for stronger consumer protections, particularly in the rapidly evolving cryptocurrency markets. She warned of the risks posed by fraud and market manipulation in digital asset trading and was among the leading voices calling for comprehensive oversight. Johnson also emphasized the growing risks with artificial intelligence, cautioning that new technologies could be exploited to commit financial crimes.
In her departure statement, Johnson highlighted concerns about the agency’s ability to fulfill its mission given recent staff reductions and the prospect of further budgetary and personnel cuts.
Johnson’s resignation adds to broader uncertainty about the future direction of the CFTC under new leadership. With the Commission temporarily operating with only one sitting member, and with pending changes in both political composition and strategic priorities, market participants should pay close attention to how the agency navigates this transitional period.
