- Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse has expressed support for including XRP in the U.S. Strategic Reserve, alongside Bitcoin, as part of a diversified digital assets stockpile.
- Despite opposition from Bitcoin advocates, Ripple’s engagement with policymakers has sparked growing discussions about XRP’s potential role in U.S. crypto policy.
A buzz has been circulating in the cryptocurrency space about the potential inclusion of XRP in the U.S. Strategic Reserve. This conversation has gained traction following an executive order signed by former President Donald Trump, which aims to establish a federal framework for digital assets and explore the development of a national “digital assets stockpile.” Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse has recently commented on this topic, fueling further discussions about the future of XRP in the context of U.S. national policy.
Executive Order and the Digital Assets Stockpile
Trump’s executive order, introduced just days into his presidency, mandated the creation of a Presidential Working Group focused on cryptocurrency. This group is tasked with developing a comprehensive regulatory framework for digital assets, with a key objective being the exploration of a national reserve for these assets. While Bitcoin has been at the forefront of conversations regarding this reserve, there is now growing speculation about whether XRP could be included as well.
In a disclosure by FOX Business reporter Eleanor Terrett, it was revealed that discussions have begun regarding the potential for a diversified digital reserve, one that could include not only Bitcoin but also assets like XRP, Solana, and USDC. This has sparked intense debate within the cryptocurrency community, especially as some industry leaders, including Ripple’s Garlinghouse, are actively engaging with policymakers to push for a broader reserve.
Garlinghouse Responds to Criticism
The idea of a national crypto reserve has not been without its critics. Pierre Rochard, VP of Research at Riot Platforms, publicly opposed the inclusion of XRP, arguing that Ripple’s lobbying efforts are diverting attention from Bitcoin and potentially supporting central bank digital currencies (CBDCs). Rochard believes that the Trump administration should prioritize Bitcoin as the sole asset in the reserve, accusing Ripple of undermining the administration’s commitments to ban CBDCs.
In response, Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse defended the idea of diversification within a national crypto reserve. He emphasized that Ripple’s involvement with policymakers is in line with supporting American innovation and companies. Garlinghouse argued that including multiple digital assets—such as Bitcoin and XRP—would make sense from a strategic standpoint. Furthermore, previous reports from the New York Post hinted that the Trump administration was considering prioritizing American-founded crypto assets, potentially adding XRP to the reserve alongside other assets like Solana.
Industry Opinions and Speculation
The conversation around XRP’s inclusion in the U.S. Strategic Reserve has captured the attention of several cryptocurrency influencers. Scott Melker, the host of The Wolf of All Streets Podcast, speculated that both Bitcoin and XRP could be part of the reserve, though he stressed that this was merely speculative. Melker’s comments reflect the growing belief within the industry that a diversified digital reserve could become a reality.
Some Bitcoin enthusiasts have raised concerns about Ripple’s influence on the administration, pointing to Ripple’s $5 million donation to Trump’s inauguration as evidence of the company’s active lobbying efforts. Whether this financial backing has swayed policymakers remains unclear, but it is undeniable that Ripple’s engagement with key figures in Washington could shape the future of U.S. digital asset policy.
The Road Ahead for XRP
As discussions surrounding the U.S. Strategic Reserve continue to unfold, it’s clear that XRP’s potential inclusion is a topic of significant interest. Ripple’s advocacy for a diversified crypto reserve aligns with broader trends in the industry, where many believe that a mix of assets—rather than a Bitcoin-only approach—will provide greater stability and innovation. Whether XRP will ultimately be part of this reserve remains to be seen, but the possibility signals a new chapter in the relationship between cryptocurrencies and U.S. national policy.
