Circle Bows to Second Amendment Pressure in Latest USDC Policy Update
Circle reversed its USDC policy to permit legal firearm purchases, responding to industry pressure and new federal frameworks.Summary
Circle Internet Group has updated its USDC terms of service to allow transactions for legal firearm purchases, provided they comply with applicable laws. This change reverses a previous blanket ban on all weapon purchases, which the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) had criticized as "financial discrimination" against lawful gun businesses.
The policy shift aligns with recent federal regulatory actions, including President Trump's executive order "Guaranteeing Fair Banking for All Americans" (August 2025), which targets "debanking" based on political views or lawful activities like the firearms sector. The move is also contextualized by the passage of the GENIUS Act (July 2025), which established a federal framework for dollar-backed stablecoins.
Senator Cynthia Lummis supported the decision, viewing it as a defense of constitutional rights against the weaponization of financial systems. While the NSSF praised the reversal, it stated it would remain vigilant. This development sets a precedent for how other stablecoin issuers might navigate politically sensitive commerce amidst evolving regulatory clarity.
(Source：BeInCrypto)