XRP News Today: Cardano's Glacier Airdrop Distributes 1.2 Billion Tokens to XRP, ADA Holders in Historic Wallet-Reach Initiative

Cardano founder Charles Hoskinson has announced a landmark token airdrop targeting holders of XRP, ADA, and other major cryptocurrencies, positioning it as the “largest airdrop ever” in terms of wallet reach. The initiative, termed the “Glacier Drop,” will distribute 1.2 billion NIGHT tokens—part of Midnight, a privacy-focused blockchain under Input Output Global—to eligible users. XRP holders who maintained at least $100 of the asset in their wallets during a June 11 snapshot received a 5% allocation of the total 24 billion token supply, alongside Bitcoin (30%) and Cardano (50%) stakeholders [1]. The claim period opened on July 15 and extends until mid-September, with unclaimed tokens eventually repurposed via a Scavenger Mine system or redirected to Midnight’s treasury after four years.

The airdrop introduces a dual-tokenomics model, with NIGHT functioning as a governance token and DUST enabling private transactions. This approach aims to foster cross-chain interoperability by allowing users to interact with Midnight’s network using any digital asset, including XRP, which will serve as a payment method for capacity. Hoskinson emphasized that the initiative marks a strategic shift toward unifying blockchain ecosystems through shared ownership, citing XRP’s widespread adoption as a key factor in its inclusion [1].

The move underscores growing collaboration between Cardano and Ripple, with Midnight developers acknowledging XRP’s active user base as a catalyst for broader Web3 integration. Ripple’s CTO, David Schwartz, has praised Midnight’s privacy-centric design, suggesting potential synergies between XRP’s payment infrastructure and emerging decentralized technologies [2]. For XRP holders, the airdrop offers direct access to a blockchain emphasizing compliance and asset interoperability, while Cardano stakeholders benefit from expanded ecosystem participation.

Eligibility is determined solely by snapshot-era holdings, with no additional transactional requirements. This simplified approach has drawn scrutiny over distribution fairness, though the team has not disclosed verification mechanisms. Participants are urged to remain vigilant against phishing scams, as fraudulent platforms and social media deception have already emerged [3]. Analysts note that past XRP-linked airdrops, such as Flare’s, saw low activation rates due to limited engagement, raising questions about the effectiveness of this distribution. Success will depend on holders integrating NIGHT tokens into their portfolios and participating in Midnight’s ecosystem [4].

The airdrop reflects broader trends in crypto token distribution, where established user bases are leveraged to accelerate adoption. By targeting XRP’s large and active community, Midnight avoids the challenges of acquiring new users while benefiting from Ripple’s infrastructure credibility. If successful, this model could inspire similar cross-chain initiatives, further blurring lines between competitive and collaborative token economies [5].

Participants are advised to verify details via official channels and avoid third-party tools to mitigate scam risks. While the Midnight team has not outlined future plans for the token, market observers will likely monitor trading activity in NIGHT and XRP to assess the airdrop’s impact on liquidity and investor sentiment. For now, the event stands as a significant milestone for XRP holders, offering tangible rewards for their participation in Ripple’s ecosystem [1].

Sources:

[1] [XRP Holders to See Biggest Airdrop—Here’s How to Claim](https://coinpedia.org/news/xrp-holders-to-see-biggest-airdrop-heres-how-to-claim/)

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