Coinage Media

**Base's Strategic Position on Ethereum** Base Head of Product Wilson Cusack addressed the platform's commitment to Ethereum following Vitalik Buterin's call for the network to evolve beyond its original Layer 2 roadmap. **Key Statement** - "We run Base on Ethereum because it gives us great security guarantees" **Why This Matters** The statement comes as Ethereum faces questions about its L2 strategy and future direction. Base, one of the fastest-growing L2 networks, is reaffirming its foundation on Ethereum's security model rather than exploring alternative approaches. This positioning is notable given Base's recent momentum - a16z ranked it as the #2 chain founders choose to build on, just behind Ethereum itself. The platform continues expanding with major integrations including Coinbase's acquisition of Echo and partnerships bringing traditional finance players like S&P Global onchain. Base's stance suggests confidence in Ethereum's security infrastructure even as the broader ecosystem debates the optimal path forward for scaling solutions.

During a congressional hearing, Rep. Brad Sherman asked Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent whether the government has authority to bail out Bitcoin. Secretary Bessent responded by questioning the premise itself: "What exactly does bail out Bitcoin mean?" The exchange highlights ongoing uncertainty around government intervention in cryptocurrency markets. Earlier, Bessent had suggested the U.S. might purchase Bitcoin for strategic reserves after initially disappointing crypto advocates with more cautious comments. The question of whether Bitcoin—a decentralized digital asset—could even be "bailed out" in a traditional sense remains unclear, as does the government's legal authority to do so.

Canton Network is taking a different approach to bringing institutional assets onchain, according to Digital Asset co-founder Yuval Rooz. **Key differentiator:** - Built-in privacy from the start, rather than adding it later - Focuses on institutional needs over anonymity features **Institutional response:** Rooz notes that "the number one emotion we experience when we talk to institutions is relief" - suggesting Canton's approach addresses specific concerns that have kept traditional finance players hesitant about blockchain adoption. While public blockchains rush to add privacy features, Canton Network designed its infrastructure with institutional requirements in mind from day one. This fundamental difference in approach appears to be resonating with financial institutions exploring blockchain solutions. [Watch the full interview](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ft6SfndY00I)

Coinage Media's Crypto Project of the Year competition enters its second round with a matchup between **Aerodrome Finance** and **Base**. **Eligible Voters:** - Coinage Caucus/Network NFT holders - $COINAGE token holders - Attention Token holders The snapshot for voting eligibility is scheduled for tomorrow. This follows an earlier round that featured a competitive race between Base and another project. [Full details and voting information](https://www.coinage.media/crypto-project-of-the-year)

**Andrew Yang highlights growing concerns about US dollar stability** as gold prices surge amid market uncertainty. Yang points to widespread skepticism about monetary policy, suggesting investors expect continued money printing. His commentary reflects a broader trend of investors seeking hedges against potential dollar devaluation. **Key points:** - Growing doubt about dollar's long-term stability - Investors turning to traditional safe havens like gold - Concerns about continued expansionary monetary policy The shift mirrors earlier patterns where both gold and Bitcoin rallied during periods of economic uncertainty and monetary policy concerns.

**Cryptocurrency markets experienced significant declines** as fears surrounding DAT (Digital Asset Taxation) intensified across the sector. - Markets saw sharp selloffs as regulatory uncertainty mounted - Traders reacted to escalating concerns about potential DAT implementation - The crash mirrors previous volatility seen in March 2025 The downturn reflects growing anxiety among investors about regulatory frameworks and their potential impact on digital asset valuations. Market participants are closely monitoring developments as the situation continues to unfold. [Watch the full coverage](https://x.com/i/broadcasts/1nAKEEpPranKL)

The Wall Street Journal has confirmed earlier reporting by Coinage about World Liberty Financial's backing from Abu Dhabi. **Key Development:** - Trump approved AI chip exports to the UAE following an investment in his company, World Liberty Financial - The investor was identified as MGX, an Abu Dhabi investment firm - This connection between the investment and policy decision was previously unconfirmed The timing raises questions about the relationship between foreign investment in Trump-affiliated ventures and subsequent policy decisions favoring those investors. [Watch the original Coinage report](https://youtu.be/TOvvE_jStkM?si=IkxTpN6_LtD4qoII)

Coinage has compiled interviews with leading crypto projects competing for **Crypto Project of the Year**. - Access comprehensive coverage of top blockchain initiatives - Community-voted recognition of standout projects - In-depth conversations with project teams Watch all interviews at [coinage.media/crypto-project-of-the-year](https://www.coinage.media/crypto-project-of-the-year)

Former presidential candidate **Andrew Yang**, who first raised concerns about AI risks during his 2020 campaign, is now warning that the situation may be deteriorating further. - Yang stated: *"It's painful to be right. I think it's a very dark time"* - His warnings come as regulatory concerns about AI continue to mount - Wall Street's top regulator has also been flagging AI dangers Yang's early predictions about AI's impact appear to be materializing, though he takes no satisfaction in being proven correct about the risks.

**Ethereum Foundation co-Executive Director Tomasz Stanczak** was featured in a detailed discussion about the upcoming **Fusaka upgrade** and its implications for ETH. Key highlights from the interview: - Deep dive into what the Fusaka upgrade will change for Ethereum - Insights from one of Ethereum's top leadership figures - Technical and strategic implications explored The **full interview is available** for those wanting comprehensive details on this significant network upgrade. [Watch the complete discussion](https://youtu.be/zMoavAd7FT8?si=Nxwg2uIweVxJuVCJ)