House Republicans Seek OIG Review of Gensler’s Deleted Text Messages, Possible Links to Bitcoin ETF Enforcement

• OIG found an automated IT wipe deleted Gensler’s texts from Oct 2022–Sept 2023.

• The House Financial Services Committee is engaging the SEC OIG for clarity and further oversight.

• OIG cited poor change management, missed alerts, and backup failures in the SEC IT environment.

Gary Gensler deleted texts: OIG found an IT wipe removed messages Oct 2022–Sept 2023 — read how House Republicans are pressing the SEC for answers. Learn more.

House Republicans say they are working with the SEC’s Office of Inspector General after the OIG reported that an automated SEC IT policy wiped former Chair Gary Gensler’s government phone, deleting key text messages tied to crypto enforcement actions.

What happened to Gary Gensler’s deleted text messages?

Gary Gensler deleted texts were removed when an automated SEC IT policy triggered a full wipe of his government-issued mobile device, deleting messages between October 2022 and September 2023, the SEC Office of Inspector General reported. The loss has prompted congressional oversight and demands for more transparency.

How are House Republicans responding to the OIG findings?

House Financial Services Committee Chair French Hill, joined by Ranking Members Ann Wagner, Dan Meuser, and Bryan Steil, wrote to SEC Chair Paul Atkins seeking details and follow-up. The committee said it is engaging with the OIG to review the report, clarify outstanding questions, and identify additional areas requiring oversight and investigation.

The Hill-led letter to SEC Chair Paul Atkins. Source: US House Committee on Financial Services

Why do Republicans call this a double standard?

The committee’s letter points to a perceived inconsistency: the SEC sued firms for record-keeping failures while apparently failing to preserve the agency’s own records. In 2023 the SEC collected more than $400 million in fines from firms over record-keeping issues, according to public filings and committee statements.

What did the OIG say caused the deletions?

The OIG attributed the loss to an automated, poorly understood IT policy that performed a full device wipe. Contributing factors included weak change management, lack of backup devices, missed system alerts, and unresolved vendor software flaws. These failures exposed gaps in the SEC’s internal controls and records preservation practices.

When were potentially relevant enforcement conversations lost?

OIG investigators found that some deleted communications related to enforcement actions against crypto companies and founders. That means exchanges of text messages that could clarify timing and decision-making on high-profile crypto cases may no longer be available for review.

What additional SEC security incident is relevant?

The SEC experienced a separate security lapse in January 2024 when its social account was compromised and used to post false news about spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds. Public reporting attributed that breach in part to the SEC not using two-factor authentication at the time, underscoring broader cybersecurity and controls concerns at the agency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did the SEC intentionally delete Gary Gensler’s texts?

The OIG found no evidence the wipe was intentional to hide records; it identified an automated IT policy and systemic failures. House Republicans, however, say the outcome nonetheless raises transparency and accountability questions.

Will missing texts affect ongoing enforcement reviews?

Missing messages could limit the record available to oversight bodies and investigators, particularly for cases dated Oct 2022–Sept 2023. Congress and the OIG are evaluating next steps to determine impact on specific enforcement matters.

Key Takeaways

• OIG finding: An automated SEC IT wipe deleted Gensler’s messages Oct 2022–Sept 2023.
• Congressional action: House Financial Services leaders are engaging the OIG and pressing the SEC for answers.
• Oversight impact: Lost messages tied to crypto enforcement may limit future oversight and require remedial IT controls.

Conclusion

The SEC Office of Inspector General’s report that an automated IT wipe removed Gary Gensler’s text messages has prompted a formal congressional response, with House Republicans seeking additional clarity and oversight. The episode underscores calls for stronger records preservation and cybersecurity controls at the agency and will likely shape follow-up inquiries and reforms.