Trump Appoints Former SEC Chair as AI Czar Amid Crypto Security Debates

President Donald Trump has appointed Jay Clayton, a former chair of the Securities and Exchange Commission, as the head of a new 'Super Intelligence Force'. This move follows earlier reporting on Trump's plan to build an 'AI Force' and appoint an AI czar. Clayton previously led the SEC during Trump's first term and was involved in several high-profile enforcement actions, including a case against Ripple related to the sale of securities.

The Super Intelligence Force aims to coordinate efforts across the federal government to help the United States 'continue to lead the World in Super Intelligence'. This appointment adds a familiar regulatory figure to the center of Washington's AI agenda, as lawmakers and industry racing to shape how advanced AI systems are governed.

Meanwhile, in the crypto space, security automation has played a significant role in influencing outcomes during active exploitation. The NEAR's SHIELD AI system blocked funds tied to Bitget's hacked assets from being moved through NEAR Intents cross-chain swaps. However, the decision to block stolen funds has sparked a debate about the tension between security intervention and strict non-censorship principles.

Blast, an Ethereum layer-2 network, has also announced it is shutting down due to unsustainable economics. The team cited operating costs exceeding revenue generated by the chain and a lack of a 'credible path' to achieving economic sustainability. This move serves as a reminder that L2 growth alone does not guarantee long-term viability.