Texas Lawmaker Proposes Installing Crypto ATMs in Federal Buildings

Highlights:

• Texas lawmaker proposes adding crypto ATMs to federal buildings for wider access.
• Fraud concerns grow as crypto ATMs contribute to millions in losses, especially among seniors.
• Gooden’s proposal supports Trump’s vision of the U.S. leading in blockchain innovation.

As Trump keeps supporting cryptocurrencies and memecoins, a lawmaker from Texas is joining in by suggesting a plan to make digital money more accessible. Representative Lance Gooden (R-TX) has formally asked the chief of the General Services Administration (GSA), the entity responsible for managing the US government’s properties, to explore the feasibility of placing crypto ATMs in government-controlled properties. 

Cryptocurrency ATMs in Federal Buildings Could Support Blockchain Innovation

In a letter dated May 1, Gooden said that adding crypto ATMs to federal buildings could help people learn about digital money and show progress in financial technology. He asked the GSA to explore the rules and steps for installing crypto ATMs in government buildings across the U.S. He said this aligns with President Donald Trump’s vision of making the U.S. a leader in blockchain and digital asset innovation.

Trump has major connections to cryptocurrencies and digital asset companies through his personal investments, campaign funds, family businesses, and the TRUMP memecoin. In April, he announced a dinner in Washington, D.C. for top holders of his memecoin.

In his letter, Gooden called crypto an important part of the world’s financial system and suggested putting crypto ATMs in these buildings to help meet the needs of a “diverse and growing consumer base.” “By providing access to cryptocurrency ATMs in federal buildings, we have the unique opportunity to ensure that our public spaces reflect this rapidly evolving trend,” he wrote.

According to reports shared with the U.S. House of Representatives, Gooden hasn’t owned any cryptocurrency or invested in ATM companies since he took office in 2019. He also hasn’t yet shared any investment reports for 2025. The GSA website says it can provide space for federal credit union ATMs, but it’s unclear if the administrator has the authority to change the rules for digital asset ATMs.

Crypto ATMs Raise Fraud Concerns as Scammers Target Americans

More crypto ATMs could be good for criminal groups, as they might use them to trick Americans into scams. Last year, almost 11,000 complaints were made about crypto ATMs and kiosks according to the FBI.

People lost a total of $246.7 million, and seniors were hit the hardest, losing over $107 million. Crypto ATM fraud includes extortion, tech support scams, government impersonation, and fake investment offers. Scammers use these ATMs because they are hard to trace, anonymous, and don’t involve direct contact. 

Other countries, like the UK, have banned crypto ATMs, while France, Australia, and Germany are cracking down on unregistered operators. In the U.S., some places are restricting or banning crypto ATMs, like towns in Minnesota and Nebraska, which have capped fees and limited transactions.

Gooden made his proposal while U.S. Senators were considering a law to prevent crypto ATM fraud. Senator Dick Durbin introduced the Crypto ATM Fraud Prevention Act in February to protect seniors from fraud.

I’m on the Senate floor announcing new legislation—my Crypto ATM Fraud Prevention Act—to help stop fraud at crypto ATMs. Watch. https://t.co/JZqjfYkhat

— Senator Dick Durbin (@SenatorDurbin) February 25, 2025