Trump Touts US Leadership in Crypto, AI Amid Clarity Act Push

US President Donald Trump hosted a meeting at the White House on August 19, 2026, with top crypto and technology executives to discuss regulatory frameworks for digital assets and artificial intelligence. Representatives from major cryptocurrency companies, including Coinbase, Ripple, and Nasdaq, attended along with SEC Chair Paul Atkins and Commodity Futures Trading Commission's Innovation Advisory Committee (CFTC) Chair Mike Selig.

Trump emphasized the US' leadership in AI and crypto, stating 'We're leading by a lot -- and we want to keep it that way.' He also criticized the Biden administration's approach to cryptocurrency, saying 'the spirit of innovation that built America was under serious attack like never before.' The meeting came after the SEC proposed new rules that would provide exemptions for certain cryptocurrency token offerings.

Trump urged lawmakers to pass the CLARITY Act, a bill designed to establish clearer federal rules for cryptocurrencies and other digital assets. The Senate is scheduled to vote on the act on September 15. Trump's administration has been pushing for a more industry-friendly approach to digital assets.