Ripple CEO Praises Bitcoin’s Legacy as Skull of Satoshi Finds Permanent Home

• Despite Garlinghouse’s gesture, criticism emerged from the Bitcoin community, with figures like Matthew Sigel of VanEck highlighting Ripple’s prior support for Greenpeace’s anti-Bitcoin campaign.
• The friction between Bitcoin and XRP communities remains evident, with Ripple CTO David Schwartz defending XRP against claims of centralization.

Amid the ongoing rift between the Bitcoin community and the Ripple community, CEO Brad Garlinghouse has come to broker peace by donating the “Skull of Satoshi” to the Bitcoin community at the ongoing Bitcoin 2025 Conference.

In his message on the X platform, Brad Garlinghouse:

The Skull of Satoshi was originally built to call attention to blockchain energy usage, and today it’s a symbol and reminder of Bitcoin’s incredible staying power to many around the world (including me!).

Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse has emphasized the importance of collaboration within the cryptocurrency and blockchain sectors. In a recent statement, Garlinghouse urged different crypto communities, including Bitcoin (BTC) and XRP, to focus on their shared goals rather than their differences.

“As crypto and blockchain technologies become widely used, respected, and understood – it’s past time that we set aside our differences and work together to move the industry forward,” he said. The call for unity comes as blockchain adoption continues to grow, with increased public and institutional engagement in the sector. Garlinghouse’s remarks highlight a need for collaboration to overcome challenges and drive collective progress.

Crypto Community Slams Ripple CEO

Although Brad Garlinghouse made a forthcoming gesture by donating the “Skull of Satoshi”, the Bitcoin community slammed him, reminding him of his past attacks on BTC. Matthew Sigel, Head of Digital Assets at VanEck, has taken aim at Ripple for its involvement in Greenpeace’s anti-Bitcoin campaign. In a pointed remark, Sigel questioned Ripple’s motives, saying, “Is that your apology for Ripple funding Greenpeace’s anti-Bitcoin efforts? I’d prefer an apology to the ugly sculpture.”

Ripple has faced criticism for financially supporting the initiative, which some in the crypto community view as divisive. Apart from Ripple, several others also pointed out Garlinghouse’s involvement in the past.

The growing discord between the Bitcoin and XRP communities has become increasingly apparent. Pro-XRP lawyer John Deaton recently addressed criticism from a follower who questioned his attendance at the Bitcoin 2025 conference, labeling him an “XRP guy.”

Meanwhile, Ripple CTO David Schwartz defended XRP and the XRP Ledger against claims of centralization from Bitcoin maximalists. Responding to the criticism, Schwartz emphasized that XRP has no issuer and dismissed suggestions that CEO Brad Garlinghouse’s role at Ripple affects the ledger’s decentralized nature.

The exchanges highlight ongoing friction as members of both communities debate the principles of decentralization and blockchain governance.