Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse has come under scrutiny amid rumors of a meeting with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump. These allegations have sparked debates among crypto executives, who accuse Ripple of promoting a central bank digital currency (CBDC) agenda at Bitcoin's expense.
Garlinghouse's Role in Ripple's Rise
Former Messari CEO Ryan Selkis led criticisms on social media, accusing Garlinghouse of promoting XRP and CBDC implementations. Riot Platforms VP Pierre Rochard echoed these sentiments, claiming Ripple is trying to influence U.S. crypto policymaking with an 'anti-Bitcoin agenda.' This controversy coincided with a significant surge in XRP's price, fueling speculation that the rumored meeting boosted investor optimism.
Praise for Trump's Crypto Stance
In a recent Fox Business interview, Garlinghouse expressed optimism about the future of cryptocurrency under Trump's incoming administration, though he neither confirmed nor denied the meeting rumors. He stated: 'The crypto industry has embraced Trump, and Trump has embraced the crypto industry. He sees innovation, entrepreneurship, and opportunity. I’m very excited about what the future holds.'
Regulatory Disputes and Ripple's Future
Garlinghouse attributed recent challenges faced by U.S. crypto projects to SEC Chair Gary Gensler’s stringent regulatory approach, which, according to him, stifled innovation. Trump's pledge to remove Gensler resonated across the crypto sector, marking a potential turning point for the industry. Meanwhile, Ripple continues to face growing scrutiny over its objectives and its place within the crypto space.
The coming months will reveal whether Ripple's strategies and rumored connections will shape the future of the crypto landscape or deepen divisions within it.
