Ripple’s Influence Questioned After Rumored Trump Connection

Ripple Labs finds itself at the center of two pivotal discussions shaping its future: speculation about a potential initial public offering (IPO) and reactions to rumored meetings between its CEO, Brad Garlinghouse, and President-elect Donald Trump. While Ripple continues its prolonged legal battle with the SEC, prominent voices in the industry are calling for the company to prepare for life beyond the courtroom, including the possibility of going public. At the same time, the company’s perceived influence on US policymaking has drawn sharp criticism.

Ripple CEO Faces Industry Backlash Amid Rumored Meeting with President-elect Trump

Ripple Labs and its CEO, Brad Garlinghouse, are under fire from cryptocurrency industry leaders following rumors that Garlinghouse met with President-elect Donald Trump. The alleged meeting, which has been widely speculated upon in social media circles, has drawn both criticism and intrigue, further igniting debates about Ripple’s influence in the US crypto policymaking landscape.

One of the most vocal critics, Ryan Selkis, the founder and former CEO of Messari, accused Garlinghouse of promoting Ripple’s native token, XRP, and pushing central bank digital currency (CBDC) agendas. Selkis stated, “Brad Garlinghouse is shilling XRP and CBDC implementations.”

Pierre Rochard, vice president of research at Riot Platforms, amplified Selkis’ concerns. Rochard tweeted, “We can’t let Ripple co-opt the United States policymaking process with their anti-Bitcoin agenda.” He further expressed hope that Trump’s administration would include more pro-Bitcoin advocates to counterbalance what he sees as Ripple’s growing influence.

These comments shed some light on the long-standing tensions between proponents of decentralized cryptocurrency projects like Bitcoin and those advocating for centralized blockchain solutions like Ripple.

Amid the controversy, XRP experienced a notable rally, with its price surging by double digits. Market analysts suggest the rumored Trump-Garlinghouse meeting may have contributed to the surge, as traders anticipated regulatory relief or potential governmental support for Ripple under the new administration. The speculation has invigorated both retail and institutional interest in XRP, sparking debates about the sustainability of the rally.

During a recent appearance on Fox Business, Garlinghouse neither confirmed nor denied the alleged meeting with Trump. However, his optimism about the incoming administration’s stance on crypto was evident. 

“The crypto industry has embraced Trump; Trump has embraced the crypto industry,” Garlinghouse remarked. “I think it’s very genuine, and I think he sees the opportunity, he sees innovation, he sees entrepreneurship. I am very excited about what the future holds.”

Trump’s Promise to Oust Gensler Resonates with the Crypto Community

President-elect Trump has pledged to fire US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Char Gary Gensler on his first day in office, a promise that has been met with widespread support across the cryptocurrency industry. Gensler’s tenure at the SEC has been marked by aggressive enforcement actions against crypto firms, leading to accusations of regulatory overreach. 

Trump’s victory has also spurred legal challenges to Gensler’s policies, with 18 US states filing a lawsuit against him. States including Texas, Wyoming, Ohio, and West Virginia accused Gensler of violating states’ rights by imposing excessive federal restrictions on the crypto industry.

The rumored meeting between Trump and Garlinghouse has reignited debates about the role of centralized blockchain solutions and their compatibility with the broader ethos of decentralization championed by Bitcoin. Critics argue that Ripple’s active engagement with policymakers represents an attempt to monopolize influence in shaping the US crypto regulatory framework.

However, supporters contend that Ripple’s proactive stance is necessary to ensure that blockchain innovation thrives in a rapidly evolving global economy. Ripple’s potential alignment with the Trump administration could pave the way for new partnerships, particularly as CBDCs gain traction worldwide.

Ripple’s ongoing legal battle with the SEC remains a key focal point for the company. The lawsuit, which accuses Ripple of selling unregistered securities, has been a major impediment to its operations in the US. A Trump-led administration, coupled with Gensler’s potential ouster, could significantly alter the dynamics of the case, potentially favoring Ripple.

Moreover, Garlinghouse’s comments suggest that Ripple views the incoming administration as an opportunity to reset relations with US regulators and position XRP as a critical player in the digital payments ecosystem.

As the crypto industry grapples with the implications of a Trump presidency, Ripple finds itself at the center of the conversation. Whether the rumored meeting between Garlinghouse and Trump took place or not, the unfolding narrative shows the intricate relationship between blockchain companies and policymakers. 

While industry executives like Selkis and Rochard remain wary of Ripple’s influence, the crypto community at large is watching closely to see how Trump’s administration shapes the future of cryptocurrency regulation in the United States. 

Ripple’s IPO Plans Back in the Spotlight Amid SEC Legal Battle

In related news, Ripple is once again facing speculation about a potential initial public offering (IPO). Yoshitaka Kitao, CEO of SBI Holdings, recently reignited the conversation by urging Ripple to prepare for an IPO “as soon as possible” once its ongoing legal battle with the US SEC is resolved. 

The statement, made on X, has fueled discussions within the cryptocurrency industry about Ripple’s readiness to go public and the potential implications for its future.

Ripple’s path to an IPO has been anything but straightforward. The company has been entangled in a high-profile legal battle with the SEC since 2020, which accused Ripple of selling unregistered securities in the form of XRP, its native cryptocurrency. While Ripple secured a partial victory earlier this year, the SEC filed a notice of appeal in early October, prolonging the legal uncertainty surrounding the case.

Despite the ongoing litigation, there is cautious optimism about Ripple’s future. Several legal analysts have suggested that the appeal might be dropped, particularly as the SEC faces a potential leadership change. 

If the SEC appeal is indeed shelved, Ripple may finally be free to explore its IPO ambitions without the weight of legal challenges hanging over its head.

Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse has previously expressed interest in taking the company public but has maintained a cautious approach. In recent comments, Garlinghouse stated that an IPO is not a “high priority” for Ripple at the moment. He emphasized that the company’s financial health remains robust, reducing the immediate need for public fundraising.

This isn’t the first time Ripple’s IPO plans have come into focus. In 2022, Garlinghouse hinted that the company might explore an IPO once its legal issues with the SEC were resolved. Earlier, in 2020, he predicted that Ripple would go public within a year—a timeline derailed by the SEC lawsuit.

SBI Holdings, one of Ripple’s largest external shareholders, has long been an advocate for the company’s public debut. Yoshitaka Kitao’s recent remarks signal SBI’s confidence in Ripple’s long-term growth and its potential to generate significant returns as a publicly traded entity.

Kitao’s comments are also part of a broader sentiment among investors who believe that an IPO would not only provide Ripple with additional capital but also enhance its transparency and credibility in the eyes of regulators and institutional partners.

Timing and Market Sentiment

While Ripple may not view an IPO as an immediate priority, the company is undoubtedly aware of the strategic advantages of going public. For one, an IPO could provide Ripple with a substantial war chest to expand its operations and compete globally in the enterprise blockchain space.

Market sentiment also appears favorable for Ripple. The company has weathered its legal storm better than most, with XRP retaining its position as one of the top cryptocurrencies by market capitalization. Additionally, Ripple’s recent expansion into emerging markets and partnerships with financial institutions have bolstered its reputation as a leader in blockchain-based payment solutions.

However, the timing of an IPO is critical. A protracted legal battle with the SEC could dampen investor confidence, while a favorable resolution could serve as a launchpad for Ripple’s public market debut.

Should Ripple go public, the move would mark a significant milestone not only for the company but also for the broader cryptocurrency industry. As one of the first major blockchain firms to pursue an IPO, Ripple’s public listing could set a precedent for other crypto and blockchain companies considering the same path.

An IPO would also likely increase scrutiny of Ripple’s business model, particularly its reliance on XRP. Critics have long questioned the central role of XRP in Ripple’s ecosystem, with some arguing that the company’s success is overly dependent on the token’s adoption.

For Ripple, the benefits of going public could outweigh the risks. An IPO would provide the company with fresh capital to accelerate its growth initiatives, particularly in regions like Asia and the Middle East, where demand for blockchain-based financial solutions is booming.