Ripple CEO Criticizes Senator Lummis' Cancelled Meeting

Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse expressed disappointment after U.S. Senator Cynthia Lummis, a prominent pro-Bitcoin advocate and Chair of the Senate’s Digital Assets Subcommittee, canceled a scheduled meeting with him and refused to reschedule. Garlinghouse was in Washington, D.C., to advocate for sensible pro-crypto legislation focused on stablecoins and market structure, highlighting the importance of inclusive leadership within the broader digital asset industry. He emphasized that while other elected officials view the crypto industry as a multi-chain space, Lummis' decision to cancel the meeting seemed to contradict the responsibilities of a national leader.

Garlinghouse's comments suggest that Lummis' actions may be perceived as support for Bitcoin maximalism, with some commentators suggesting that she shares their views. However, Garlinghouse maintained his stance on inclusivity, urging Lummis to reconsider and lead for all of crypto, not just Bitcoin. He called on the Senator to join him on an X space or any live event to discuss ways to advance the entire crypto space and help achieve the goal of making the U.S. the crypto capital of the world.

Ripple has been actively involved in shaping the U.S. regulatory framework for digital assets, with Garlinghouse positioning the company as a key stakeholder in the process. The canceled meeting with Senator Lummis was expected to support Ripple's mission, particularly as the company expands its influence through its new stablecoin initiative, RLUSD. Launched in December 2024, RLUSD represents Ripple’s strategic entry into the stablecoin market, with the company stressing the importance of regulation and transparency. The long-running XRP lawsuit and its negative effects on the asset underscore the need for sensible regulation.

Despite Lummis' actions, Garlinghouse remains optimistic and continues to push for inclusivity in the crypto space. He has consistently advocated for a multi-asset reserve to include top U.S. cryptocurrencies, contrasting with Bitcoin maximalists who call for a Bitcoin-only national crypto reserve. Garlinghouse's efforts to advance the market and achieve Ripple's goals for RLUSD are crucial in the evolving landscape of digital assets.