Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse Gains Favor with Trump Over XRP Token Inclusion

Washington, D.C., March 7, 2025 — Brad Garlinghouse, the Chief Executive Officer of Ripple, is poised to benefit from the recent developments in U.S. cryptocurrency policy. With Ripple holding over $100 billion in XRP, the company’s long-standing advocacy for the inclusion of its digital asset in government holdings appears to be gaining traction, particularly following President Donald Trump’s recent remarks regarding cryptocurrency reserves.

From Legal Battles to Strategic Alliances

Once embroiled in a contentious legal battle with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) that threatened Ripple’s very existence, Garlinghouse has emerged as a prominent figure in the cryptocurrency landscape, particularly with the upcoming White House crypto summit scheduled for this Friday. Just a few years ago, Garlinghouse was defending the company against claims that the sale of XRP constituted an unregistered securities offering. However, recent judicial decisions have favored Ripple, allowing the company to refocus its efforts on promoting XRP.

In a pivotal move, Trump recently announced plans to create a strategic reserve for Bitcoin and a separate stockpile for other digital assets, which he suggested could include XRP. This endorsement sent shockwaves through the crypto markets and positioned Garlinghouse as a significant player in U.S. crypto policy.

“It makes no sense for the U.S. to hold only Bitcoin in its crypto reserve," said Garlinghouse in an interview, asserting that including XRP would support an even playing field in digital assets. His advocacy reflects an attempt to align with Trump’s “America First” initiative, emphasizing the importance of U.S.-developed cryptocurrencies.

Lobbying and Political Contributions

Garlinghouse’s approach to positioning Ripple favorably in the eyes of the Trump administration has involved substantial lobbying efforts and robust political contributions. Before the election, Ripple contributed $48 million to Fairshake, an organization aimed at electing crypto-friendly candidates. Furthermore, the company has also donated $5 million worth of XRP towards Trump’s inaugural committee.

Not only has Ripple utilized financial avenues, but it has also strategically engaged lawmakers by hiring influential lobbyists and actively participating in discussions on forthcoming regulations governing the cryptocurrency industry. Critics, however, assert that Ripple’s political maneuvering primarily benefits a select few within the company, raising questions about the broader implications of including XRP in national reserves.

Skepticism from Within the Industry

Despite Garlinghouse’s efforts and the growing acceptance of XRP in political circles, skepticism remains. Some industry critics, including rival crypto executives, have questioned the practical applications of XRP and its viability compared to more established digital currencies like Bitcoin. As critics argue that including XRP would predominantly enrich Ripple’s founders and executives, the company maintains that it services a large number of clients, including major financial institutions.

“XRP has no real use case anymore," stated Ryan Selkis, former CEO of crypto data firm Messari, adding that the digital asset has become less relevant in today’s market dominated by stablecoins. On the other hand, Garlinghouse defends XRP, stating that it has an established history and functions as a leading cryptocurrency.

Implications for the Future of Cryptocurrency

The forthcoming strategic reserve proposed by the Trump administration is set not to involve taxpayer funding for purchasing XRP, which casts a different light on its potential inclusion in governmental holdings. Even without direct monetary investment, XRP’s endorsement by the government would afford it heightened prestige, likely impacting its market value significantly. Garlinghouse noted that the price of XRP has already surged substantially since the election, a trend that underscores the market’s response to political endorsement.

As the first-ever White House crypto summit approaches, discussions surrounding the U.S. government’s approach to cryptocurrency—and the role of influential figures like Garlinghouse—will continue to evolve. In the meantime, the dynamics within the cryptocurrency community remain polarized as stakeholders debate the implications of potential government policies on the future of digital assets.

For continued updates on developments in the cryptocurrency landscape and insights into influential figures like Brad Garlinghouse, stay tuned to Timely News.