Pro-Ripple lawyer John E. Deaton has criticised Democratic opposition to the CLARITY Act, arguing that lawmakers are making the wrong decision by delaying clearer crypto regulations in the United States.
His comments came after Senator Jeff Merkley confirmed he would vote against the crypto market structure bill, citing concerns over President Donald Trump’s involvement in digital assets.
Merkley argued that Trump’s crypto activities were a major reason for his opposition to the legislation. The senator claimed Trump had made profits from crypto-related ventures and said the CLARITY Act lacks enough safeguards to prevent conflicts of interest.
In response, Deaton accused Merkley and other opponents of misunderstanding the purpose of crypto regulation. He argued that the absence of clear rules is the reason problems exist in the first place.
Senator @JeffMerkley proves how stupid or dishonest Members of Congress are. He wants to block the Clarity Act to prevent Trump from abusing his power and profiting off crypto. The ENTIRE reason Trump’s made $1.4 billion is because there is NO CLARITY IN PLACE. Moreover, Trump… https://t.co/vBYudz5pUk
— John E Deaton (@JohnEDeaton1) July 28, 2026
“Senator Jeff Merkley proves how stupid or dishonest Members of Congress are,” Deaton wrote. “He wants to block the CLARITY Act to prevent Trump from abusing his power and profiting off crypto. The entire reason Trump’s made $1.4 billion is because there is no clarity in place.”
Deaton added that blocking the bill would not stop political figures or businesses from participating in crypto markets. Instead, he warned that customers and companies would remain exposed to regulatory uncertainty.
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The CLARITY Act is stuck in the Senate again. Lawmakers are busy with nominations and a Russia sanctions bill, so crypto is on the back burner.
The bill is supposed to bring some order to digital assets, things like spelling out who does what between the SEC and CFTC. People who support it say clearer rules would give businesses more confidence and stop companies from packing up and leaving the US.
Opposition has focused heavily on concerns surrounding Trump’s crypto earnings. Senator Merkley said the bill needs stronger corruption protections, claiming that crypto has become a major source of political financial concerns.
Read Also: Another Bitcoin Price Crash Incoming? Why the CLARITY Act Might Not Pass
The disagreement has created a wider debate around whether delaying the CLARITY Act protects the market or keeps the current regulatory uncertainty in place. Deaton believes the lack of legislation creates more risks for investors and companies, arguing that the US needs clear rules instead of continued uncertainty.
As lawmakers continue negotiations, the crypto market is watching closely for signs of whether the CLARITY Act can move forward before the Senate’s August recess. For XRP investors, the outcome remains important as clearer crypto regulations are viewed as a potential catalyst for wider institutional adoption.
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