Software engineer Vincent Van Code has offered a new perspective on the significance of former SEC Chairman Jay Clayton’s appointment as the ninth Director of National Intelligence, suggesting the Ripple lawsuit may have been part of a broader political timeline.
Responding to comments from investor hashr.group, Van Code said he could not help but wonder whether President Donald Trump had effectively put XRP “on ice” for several years until his return to office.
He added that Clayton, whom he described as “Trump’s boy,” would not have pursued the SEC’s lawsuit against Ripple without Trump’s backing. Van Code concluded by describing the idea as a “fun thought experiment,” making clear that he was sharing personal speculation rather than presenting it as fact.
His remarks came after blockchain researcher BankXRP reported that the U.S. Senate had confirmed Clayton as the ninth Director of National Intelligence in a 51-47 vote, highlighting the former SEC chairman’s transition from financial regulation to overseeing the U.S. intelligence community.
I can't help but to think Trump put XRP on ice for years until his reelection. Jay is Trump's boy, Jay wouldn't have acted without him.
The lawsuit certainly did that.
Plans within plans. Just my fun thought experiment. https://t.co/7Oakc78TOr
— Vincent Van Code (@vincent_vancode) July 29, 2026
Hashr.Group Points to Ripple’s Early Government Connections
Before Van Code joined the conversation, investor hashr.group responded to BankXRP’s post by suggesting Clayton’s latest appointment could be viewed as a reward for dropping the SEC’s lawsuit against Ripple. The investor did not provide evidence for the claim but presented it as a personal opinion on recent developments.
Hashr.group also suggested that unseen forces may have been guiding the XRP Ledger toward its intended destination through gradual developments over time.
Expanding on that view, the investor referenced Greg Kidd, recalling remarks that Ripple secured a meeting with the U.S. Treasury within its first month of operating. The reference was used to support the idea that Ripple established relationships with government institutions at a very early stage of its history.
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Jay Clayton’s New Position Renews Interest in Ripple History
Clayton’s confirmation has generated renewed conversation across the cryptocurrency community because of his role in authorizing the SEC’s lawsuit against Ripple in December 2020. Filed during his final days as SEC chairman, the case became one of the most significant legal battles involving digital assets in the United States. It also shaped years of debate over the regulatory status of XRP.
Since leaving the SEC, Clayton has served as U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York before moving into his new position as Director of National Intelligence, where he now oversees all 18 agencies within the U.S. intelligence community.
While BankXRP’s original post questioned whether Clayton’s appointment was the right choice or a divisive one, the discussion that followed centered largely on Ripple’s legal history and the possibility that broader political considerations may have influenced events surrounding the lawsuit.
Disclaimer: This content is meant to inform and should not be considered financial advice. The views expressed in this article may include the author’s personal opinions and do not represent Times Tabloid’s opinion. Readers are advised to conduct thorough research before making any investment decisions. Any action taken by the reader is strictly at their own risk. Times Tabloid is not responsible for any financial losses.
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