Ex-US defense secretary calls CLARITY Act a ‘national security bill’

cointelegraphPublished on 2026-08-10Last updated on 2026-08-10

Abstract

Former U.S. Secretary of Defense Mark Esper has called on the Senate to urgently pass the CLARITY Act, framing it as a critical national security bill. In a Financial Times op-ed, Esper argued that current weak digital asset regulations create vulnerabilities exploited by adversaries like China and North Korea. He stated China is developing state-directed payment systems to bypass U.S. oversight and erode the dollar's dominance, calling China the "greatest strategic threat." The Act would empower the U.S. Treasury to close crypto loopholes used by groups like North Korea's Lazarus to evade financial controls, including by extending special-measures authority. The Senate is expected to vote on the legislation on September 15.

A former US defense secretary has urged the Senate to pass the CLARITY Act, arguing that weak digital asset rules create openings for North Korea and China to undermine American financial power.

In an op-ed in the Financial Times on Saturday, former US Secretary of Defense Mark Esper said Beijing is already investing in state-directed payment systems to sidestep American supervision and erode the US dollar’s central role.

“I have long argued that China is the greatest strategic threat of our lifetime,” said Esper, who also serves as a member of the Coinbase Global Advisory Council.

He also said the act would give the US better tools to cut off crypto-specific loopholes that can be used by North Korean actors such as the Lazarus Group to avoid US financial controls.

“The Act also extends the Treasury’s potent special-measures authority under section 311 of the USA Patriot Act — one of our sharpest weapons against rogue actors,” he said.

The Senate is expected to vote on the CLARITY Act on Sept. 15. On Saturday, Senate Majority Leader John Thune filed cloture to bring the CLARITY Act to the Senate floor for consideration.

“This is why the Clarity Act, now before the Senate, is not merely a financial services bill. It is also a national security bill, and it should be understood as such and passed with urgency,” said Esper.

Related: CLARITY Act delay gives Asian financial hubs an opening: First Digital CEO

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