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US Senator Elizabeth Warren has asked the Commerce Department for records tied to Bitmain, a Chinese manufacturer of Bitcoin mining machines, as concerns continue over foreign-made crypto equipment used in the United States.
Her request follows earlier reports that federal authorities examined whether Bitmain’s hardware posed security risks. The letter also asked whether there had been any contact between Bitmain, the department, and members of the Trump family.
Warren sent the letter to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and asked for documents related to any federal review of Bitmain and its products. The request came after reports that Bitmain had been part of an inquiry known as “Operation Red Sunset.” This probe examined whether certain mining machines could be remotely accessed to spy or interfere with power systems.
The senator asked the department to explain what information it has gathered about the company and whether the agency has taken steps to address any potential risks associated with Bitmain devices. She also requested material showing how the department has handled the matter so far. The current status of that federal inquiry has not been made public.
In the letter, Warren said officials must ensure that “politically connected crypto interests” do not receive special treatment. She also asked for details on “specific actions” taken to keep national security decisions separate from business relationships involving the Trump family. This request placed both security and oversight issues at the center of the matter.
The issue gained more attention after American Bitcoin Corp., backed by Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr., agreed to buy 16,000 Bitmain mining rigs for $314 million last year. This deal connected one of the world’s largest suppliers of mining hardware to a US company with direct links to the Trump family. It also raised more questions about the use of foreign equipment in large domestic mining operations.
Warren’s letter asked for any communication between Bitmain, the Commerce Department, and members of the Trump family. This part of the request showed that lawmakers are not only looking at the machines themselves but also at whether political connections played any role in how the matter was handled. The department has the authority to examine foreign threats tied to information and communications technology and services.
American Bitcoin previously said it had carried out its own security checks on the equipment. A company spokesman said those tests found no weakness that would allow remote access. The spokesman also said the machines do not pose “a credible risk” to the US power grid or national security when used under modern industrial security standards.
Concerns around Bitmain equipment had already surfaced before Warren’s latest request. In May 2024, a federal review flagged the use of Bitmain machines at a site near a US military base and said the setup raised national security concerns. This review added to broader concerns about foreign-made hardware operating within sensitive parts of the country.
A 2025 Senate Intelligence Committee report also referred to Bitmain devices. The report said the machines could be manipulated from China and described “several disturbing vulnerabilities.” Those findings added to the broader debate over whether Bitcoin mining equipment should undergo a deeper review when imported from overseas manufacturers.
Bitmain has denied the claims. The company said earlier reports about an investigation were “seriously inconsistent with the facts” and called them “false news.” It also said it complies with US laws and has “never engaged in activities that pose risks to US national security.” Even so, Warren’s request shows that federal scrutiny of foreign crypto mining hardware remains active.
Also Read: Crypto Market Update: Are Digital Assets in Politics Facing a Major Reset in the UK and US?
