A comprehensive analysis by The New York Times examined thousands of government documents and court records from the last three presidential administrations, along with interviews with over two dozen current and former government officials. The investigation highlighted a notable shift in the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission's (S.E.C.) treatment of the cryptocurrency industry following Donald J. Trump's return to the White House.

During Trump's second term, the S.E.C. moved to freeze a federal lawsuit against a cryptocurrency firm led by the Winklevoss twins, known for their involvement in the crypto space. The agency had previously filed a lawsuit against Binance, the largest cryptocurrency exchange globally, but subsequently dropped the case under the new administration. Additionally, the S.E.C. sought to reduce penalties against Ripple Labs after a prolonged legal battle, indicating a broader leniency towards the crypto sector.

The analysis revealed that the S.E.C. eased its stance on over 60 percent of ongoing crypto cases when Trump resumed office, marking an unprecedented retreat for a regulatory body from multiple lawsuits against a single industry. Specifically, the S.E.C. dismissed seven crypto cases outright and proposed favorable settlements in or conceded seven other cases. In contrast, only nine cases remained unaffected by this shift.

Data showed that during Trump's first administration, the S.E.C. initiated 50 cases against cryptocurrency firms, while the Biden administration has continued with 105 cases. Notably, no new cases were initiated during Trump's second term, raising questions about the regulatory environment for the cryptocurrency industry and its implications for market equity and accountability.

The investigation also noted connections between several crypto companies and Trump or his family, including donations to pro-Trump fundraising efforts, which may complicate the narrative surrounding regulatory favoritism in the sector.

In a separate context, Kevin Hassett, the director of the National Economic Council, recently suggested that President Trump's optimistic view of the economy is influenced by a focus on specific positive indicators. During an appearance on CBS's Face the Nation, Hassett responded to Trump's assertion that 'prices are coming down tremendously,' noting that the president tends to highlight areas of progress rather than presenting a comprehensive view of economic conditions.

Hassett cited examples of successes under the Trump administration, including a reported decrease in prescription drug prices and lower gasoline prices compared to previous highs. However, these claims were made amid rising consumer price indices, which have increased by 3 percent year over year, and a personal consumption index that has risen by 2.8 percent.

Critics, including attorney Ron Filipkowski, have interpreted Hassett's comments as indicative of a pattern where only favorable data is presented to the president, potentially distorting his perception of economic realities. Filipkowski, who transitioned from the Republican Party to the Democratic Party after the January 6 Capitol riots, remarked on social media that this selective presentation of information fuels Trump's tendency to misrepresent facts. The discussion around Trump's economic performance comes amid broader concerns about the implications of such selective data usage for public understanding and policy-making, particularly in light of ongoing economic challenges faced by many Americans.