Ripple CEO Sparks Crypto Debate, U.S. Bitcoin Reserve Odds Rise

Ripple's CEO, Brad Garlinghouse, has recently expressed his support for a diversified U.S. crypto reserve, advocating for a more inclusive approach to digital assets. This stance has sparked a heated debate among Bitcoin advocates and XRP fans, with accusations of secret lobbying and maximalism on both sides.

Garlinghouse has been vocal about his opposition to Bitcoin maximalism, arguing that it hinders the progress of the broader crypto industry. He has been criticized by Bitcoin proponents, such as Pierre Rochard and Michael Goldstein, who have accused Ripple of being a "failed company" and spending millions on propaganda campaigns to "destroy" Bitcoin.

The ongoing feud between Bitcoin and XRP communities has intensified as Ripple faces accusations of secretly lobbying against a Bitcoin reserve. Despite these allegations, Garlinghouse has not denied Ripple's involvement in lobbying efforts, instead arguing that maximalism is the "enemy" of crypto progress.

Meanwhile, the odds of the U.S. government creating a national Bitcoin reserve in 2025 stand at 55%. This development could have significant implications for the crypto industry, potentially leading to increased adoption and regulation.

Ripple, a leading digital asset infrastructure firm, has been expanding its global presence, securing Money Transmitter Licenses (MTLs) in New York and Texas. These approvals mark a significant step in Ripple's strategy to strengthen its U.S. operations and offer secure, compliant payment solutions worldwide.

With these MTLs, Ripple can now provide cross-border payment services in these two states, overseeing transactions end-to-end and providing customers with a secure and regulated solution for global payments. Ripple's North America Managing Director, Joanie Xie, highlighted the company's role in helping businesses explore the benefits of crypto and blockchain technologies.

Ripple's expansion aligns with expectations of a more crypto-friendly stance under the Trump administration. Industry experts are optimistic about potential regulatory changes that could benefit crypto companies, such as the SEC's recent rescission of SAB 121, which opens the door for banks to offer digital asset custody services.

Ripple's global network and future growth prospects are evident in its operations, which include $70 billion in payment volume across 90 markets. Additionally, the launch of RLUSD, a stablecoin approved by New York's financial regulators, showcases