Concerns over token favoritism and market interference have returned to the spotlight on Coinbase-backed Layer 2 network Base. The renewed debate followed public comments from Base creator Jesse Pollak, who firmly rejected calls for behind-the-scenes price support.
His remarks arrive as traders question whether networks should actively push select tokens to compete for speculative capital. The discussion highlights a broader tension between open infrastructure ideals and short-term market expectations across crypto ecosystems.
Pollak made clear that the Base core team will not privately deploy capital to influence token prices. He stressed that such actions would distort competition, disadvantage other projects, and undermine trust.
Moreover, he warned that coordinated price support could cross legal boundaries, especially given Base’s ties to a regulated U.S. public company. Consequently, he framed market manipulation as both harmful and unsustainable over time.
Promotion Versus Price Control
Significantly, Pollak separated ecosystem promotion from direct market intervention. He said Base will continue improving how it distributes and surfaces quality applications and assets. That effort aims to attract attention and capital organically.
However, price discovery must remain open and transparent. Hence, the team will avoid secret coordination that pushes tokens toward predetermined outcomes.
Additionally, Pollak acknowledged frustration from traders seeking a flagship Base token. Some community voices argue that rival chains gain momentum by rallying around breakout assets.
However, others counter that meme-driven speculation has become increasingly zero-sum. Pollak aligned with that view, suggesting forced rallies often end in recurring losses rather than durable growth.
Market Pressures and Community Expectations
Moreover, debate intensified after comments from a Base-focused livestream host questioned the network’s ability to create large-cap tokens. That criticism fueled discussions about whether Base competes effectively for attention.
Pollak responded by emphasizing Base’s role as neutral infrastructure. He argued that fair markets allow participants to learn and adapt, which supports long-term prosperity.
At the same time, he signaled evolution within the ecosystem. The Base app continues shifting toward a more trading-oriented experience. That change seeks to highlight onchain activity without distorting prices. Besides, Pollak reiterated support for creators, builders, applications, and meme culture, while rejecting covert price engineering.
Lingering Effects of Meme Token Controversies
However, past events still shape perceptions. In 2025, a tokenized social post from Base sparked backlash and regulatory scrutiny. Although described as experimental, the episode raised concerns about implicit endorsements. Consequently, critics remain wary of Base’s role in meme markets.
Research during peak meme cycles also showed widespread security issues among new tokens. These included honeypots and unlocked liquidity, which caused significant retail losses.
Pollak’s stance appears designed to distance Base from such practices. He noted that transparent incentives, such as open competitions or public liquidity programs, could remain options if implemented fairly.
