Elizabeth Warren has reportedly asked the US Commerce Department to clarify how it is addressing potential national security risks linked to Bitmain, amid ongoing federal scrutiny of the Chinese mining giant.
In a letter sent Thursday to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, Warren requested documents and communications related to Bitmain, which produces a significant portion of the world’s Bitcoin mining hardware, according to Bloomberg.
The move follows earlier reports that US authorities launched an investigation into Bitmain in November under “Operation Red Sunset,” led by the US Department of Homeland Security. The probe is examining whether Bitmain’s ASIC mining machines could be remotely accessed for espionage or potentially used to disrupt the US power grid.
According to Bloomberg, the investigation remains ongoing, with its current status unclear. Such national security probes can continue for years without public updates or formal action.
US scrutiny intensifies
The heightened attention comes after earlier measures, including halted shipments of Bitmain equipment and a separate investigation into a Chinese chip firm over alleged ties to Huawei.
In 2024, a federal review also raised “significant national security concerns” over the use of Bitmain’s machines near a US military base, further deepening scrutiny of the company.
Bitmain is reportedly planning to open its first US-based ASIC manufacturing facility, with production expected to begin in early 2026 and scale up by the end of the year, according to a prior Bloomberg report.
Trump-linked firm buys Bitmain rigs
Bitmain’s mining hardware is widely used across the Bitcoin ecosystem, including by American Bitcoin Corp.—a company backed by Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr.. The firm agreed last year to purchase 16,000 Bitmain mining rigs in a deal valued at $314 million.
In her inquiry, Elizabeth Warren also requested information on any communications involving Bitmain, members of the Trump family, and Commerce Department officials. She further asked what measures have been taken to ensure national security decisions remain insulated from political influence.
