Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse is facing growing criticism after rumors emerged suggesting he recently met with former U.S. President Donald Trump. The speculation, which surfaced through social media and unverified sources, has sparked concern among Ripple’s supporters, some of whom worry about the implications such a meeting might have on the company’s reputation and its ongoing legal battles with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
The rumors gained traction after an anonymous source claimed that Garlinghouse had a private discussion with Trump, potentially centered around the future of digital currencies in the U.S. While neither Garlinghouse nor Trump’s team has confirmed the meeting, the mere suggestion has created a stir within the cryptocurrency community. Critics argue that associating with a polarizing political figure like Trump could alienate key investors and regulatory bodies, especially at a time when Ripple is fighting to prove that its XRP token should not be classified as a security.
Ripple, which has long advocated for clearer regulatory frameworks for cryptocurrencies, has faced significant legal challenges from the SEC. The company’s ongoing lawsuit, which began in 2020, has cast a shadow over its operations, leading to an uncertain future for XRP in the U.S. As a result, many industry observers have urged Garlinghouse and other Ripple executives to avoid politically charged affiliations that could further complicate their legal and regulatory positioning.
Garlinghouse has not publicly commented on the rumors, but the controversy underscores the challenges that cryptocurrency companies face as they navigate both legal hurdles and public perception. With Ripple’s ongoing battle against the SEC, the company’s leadership will likely be under increasing scrutiny as it seeks to maintain investor confidence and secure a favorable outcome in its high-profile case.
