Trump & Ripple CEO Discuss XRP as U.S. Reserve Asset

Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse wants the U.S. government’s potential digital asset reserve to include a diverse ecosystem, not just Bitcoin (BTC) or XRP. He discussed with former President Donald Trump the idea of adding XRP to the U.S. Strategic Reserve. 

On January 27, Garlinghouse expressed his views on the ongoing discourse within the cryptocurrency community over whether digital asset reserves can contain more than one token.

Garlinghouse added that he believes the cryptocurrency industry should collaborate rather than fight among themselves. By pulling together rather than pulling apart, he continued, “The crypto industry has a real shot, here and now, to achieve the many goals we have in common, IF we work together instead of tearing each other down.” He also added, “This is not, and never will be, a zero-sum game.”

Brad suggested the reserve should include various cryptocurrencies, not just Bitcoin. Garlinghouse also noted that Trump, after initial tensions with the crypto industry, now supports it, recognizing its potential for innovation and entrepreneurship, which gives him hope for the future of crypto.

Apart from XRP, the Ripple CEO stated that he owns a wide range of digital assets, such as Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH), reiterating his commitment to a multichain universe. If there is to be a government-backed digital reserve, it should represent the entire crypto industry and not just one token, he believes. “If a govt digital asset reserve is created – I believe it should be representative of the industry, not just one token,” Garlinghouse added.

Garlinghouse also used the opportunity to criticize the growing phenomenon of maximalism in the crypto space. Garlinghouse says that the concept, known as maximalism, that only one cryptocurrency will reign supreme, has frustrated innovation in the industry. He described it as “the enemy of crypto progress” and said he was relieved that fewer people seem to subscribe to the antiquated line of thinking.

The CEO’s remarks come amid escalating friction between Bitcoin proponents (Bitcoin maximalists) and holders of other cryptocurrencies. While some voiced support for Bitcoin’s continued dominance in debates about a national digital reserve, others urged a more balanced approach. Garlinghouse defended XRP’s role in the debate and denied that Ripple had ever lobbied to prevent Bitcoin from being included in U.S. reserves.

In essence, Garlinghouse’s statement was unambiguous: the future of cryptocurrency is diversified, where industry players collaborate rather than compete, and it is inclusive.