In episode 3 of Bitcoin Politics, special guest Amanda Tuminelli — Executive Director and CLO of the DeFi Education Fund — breaks down the legal battle over Tornado Cash, and the high-stakes implications for Bitcoin developers and privacy-preserving technology.
From courtroom strategy to the fight for clear developer protections in the CLARITY Act and Blockchain Regulatory Certainty Act (BRCA), this conversation explores the implications that various trial outcomes may have on the crypto ecosystem and open source development.
Tuminelli offers expert legal analysis of the Tornado Cash, why the DOJ’s shift away from FinCEN guidance threatens innovation, and how Congress might be gutting key protections in upcoming crypto legislation.
Recorded 8/25/2025 in conversation with Frank Corva, Bitcoin Magazine Political Correspondent
🔶 Connect with Amanda Tuminelli on X: https://x.com/amandatums
🔶 Connect with Frank Corva on X: https://x.com/frankcorva
🔶 Learn more about the DeFi Education Fund: https://www.defieducationfund.org/
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Chapters:
00:00 - Intro - Amanda Tuminelli
03:12 - Explanation of Money Transmission Laws and 18 USC 1960
07:15 - Legislative Efforts to Protect Developers: The Blockchain Regulatory Certainty Act (BRCA)
10:16 - The DOJ's Blanche Memo and Its Impact on Crypto Prosecutions
13:32 - Clarifying Legal Terms: Mens Rea and Its Importance in the Case
16:43 - Current Status and Legal Arguments in the Tornado Cash Trial
24:05 - Potential Jury Impact and Defense Strategies Regarding Witness Testimony
28:15 - Positive Use Cases of Privacy Technology and Jury Considerations
31:26 - Amicus Briefs Filed in Support of the Defense
33:49 - Implications of the Case Outcome and Call to Action
36:30 - Closing Remarks and Resources
NOTE: Video graphic incorrectly lists Amanda's name as "Rep. Warren Davidson"
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