- Senator Elizabeth Warren has requested the US Commerce Department explain its handling of Bitmain-related national security risks.
- A prior federal investigation, “Operation Red Sunset,” examined whether Bitmain’s mining hardware could be used for espionage or grid disruption.
- This scrutiny collides with domestic politics, as a Trump-backed American mining firm recently agreed to a $314 million purchase of Bitmain rigs.
- The firm is also reportedly preparing to open its first US-based manufacturing facility for ASIC chips.
Senator Elizabeth Warren asked the US Commerce Department on Thursday to detail its handling of national security concerns around Chinese crypto mining giant Bitmain, Bloomberg reported. This formal request follows previous revelations of a federal probe into the company’s operations.
Authorities previously launched “Operation Red Sunset” to examine if Bitmain‘s ASIC machines could be remotely accessed for espionage or used to disrupt the power grid. According to Bloomberg, that investigation remains unresolved, with its current status unclear.
Consequently, the US has previously halted shipments of Bitmain devices and flagged mining near a military base as a significant concern. Meanwhile, the company is reportedly preparing to open its first US-based ASIC chip manufacturing facility.
Bitmain‘s machines are used by major mining operations, including American Bitcoin Corp., which counts Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr. among its investors. That firm agreed last year to acquire 16,000 Bitmain rigs in a $314 million deal.
Warren’s letter also seeks details on any communications between Bitmain, the Trump family, and Commerce officials. It further asks what steps the department has taken to shield national security decisions from political influence.
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