Ripple’s Brad Garlinghouse Gains Favor with Trump, XRP Token in the Spotlight
March 7, 2025
By Timely News Agency
In a significant development for the cryptocurrency world, Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse is poised to benefit from President Trump’s recent indication of including the XRP token in the United States’ strategic digital-asset stockpile. This comes as Ripple holds an impressive $100 billion worth of XRP, the third largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization.
A Journey from Legal Battles to Political Influence
Just a few years ago, Garlinghouse found himself embroiled in a legal battle with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) that threatened the viability of his business. The lawsuit alleged that Ripple, along with Garlinghouse and co-founder Chris Larsen, violated securities laws by selling XRP without proper registration. However, a recent ruling in favor of Ripple indicated that XRP sales on exchanges were not classified as securities offerings, allowing the company to refocus on growth.
As the White House gears up for its first-ever crypto summit scheduled for this Friday, Garlinghouse’s influence within political circles appears to have grown. His ability to navigate the often-contentious cryptocurrency landscape has made him a prominent figure. Many leaders in the industry have also made efforts to engage with the current administration, but few have achieved the level of rapport Garlinghouse has established with Trump.
The Strategic Digital-Asset Stockpile
During a recent announcement aimed at bolstering the government’s cryptocurrency initiatives, President Trump revealed plans for a digital asset stockpile that extends beyond just Bitcoin—initiating conversations about including smaller tokens, including XRP. Following these developments, investors reacted positively, prompting a surge in the price of XRP.
Trump’s executive order, which was signed just days ago, will officially create both a strategic reserve for Bitcoin and a separate stockpile for additional digital assets. However, it was noted that the stockpile will consist exclusively of crypto seized by law enforcement, rather than being purchased outright—a decision that some crypto advocates may find disappointing.
Ripple’s Lobbying and Political Contributions
Ripple’s approach to garnering favorable treatment in Washington involves not only political engagement but also financial contributions. The company has actively supported various political candidates aligned with crypto-friendly policies. Just before the election cycle, Ripple contributed $48 million to Fairshake, an organization aiming to elect pro-crypto candidates, alongside a donation of $5 million in XRP to Trump’s inaugural committee.
In addition, advertising campaigns featuring slogans emphasizing American leadership in crypto were visible in Washington, further establishing Ripple’s presence in the political landscape. Garlinghouse joined these efforts by forming connections with influential legislators who hold key positions over potential regulatory frameworks for cryptocurrencies.
Critics, including prominent figures within the cryptocurrency industry, have expressed concerns over XRP’s potential inclusion in the government’s digital asset stockpile, arguing that XRP is primarily held by a small group of individuals, which raises questions about its long-term utility as a state-backed asset.
Crypto Community Response
While Garlinghouse has been praised for his legal victories and advocacy within the industry, detractors argue that Ripple has not demonstrated sufficient real-world applications for XRP compared to its competitors, particularly stablecoin providers like Circle and Tether. The current sentiment among critics is that XRP, though notable, lacks the utility and adaptability in today’s evolving financial landscape.
Despite these challenges, Garlinghouse maintains that XRP should be included in any crypto reserve, framing it as a level playing field for U.S.-developed tokens. He emphasized that the government should not solely favor Bitcoin if it is committed to a diverse digital currency strategy.
As the landscape of cryptocurrency shifts, Garlinghouse’s navigation of political alliances and ongoing advocacy may play a pivotal role in shaping the future of XRP and Ripple’s position in a burgeoning technological frontier.
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Contact Information
For inquiries, contact: Alexander Osipovich at [email protected], Vicky Ge Huang at [email protected], and Amrith Ramkumar at [email protected]
This article is part of continuous coverage of the evolving digital landscape and highlights the connections between cryptocurrency and governmental policy. For breaking news updates and expert analysis, please stay tuned.
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