White House Crypto Advisory Board

Ripple CEO Emerges as Top Contender for Trump's Crypto Council

Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse leads race for White House crypto advisory council seat, potentially reshaping XRP regulations and U.S. digital asset policy. His Mar-a-Lago meeting with Trump puts him at the forefront of crypto's regulatory future.

The Ripple Effect

— 5 min read
Ripple CEO Emerges as Top Contender for Trump's Crypto Council

Brad Garlinghouse, CEO of Ripple, has emerged as a frontrunner for a coveted seat on President Donald Trump's newly established crypto advisory council. The appointment could fundamentally reshape regulatory discussions around XRP and position Ripple at the center of U.S. digital asset policy for years to come. With fierce competition among industry titans for approximately two dozen available seats, Garlinghouse's recent meeting with Trump at Mar-a-Lago has reportedly catapulted him to the top of the list.

The Race for Crypto's Most Influential Seats

President Trump signed Executive Order 14178 on January 23, 2025, officially establishing the Presidential Working Group on Digital Asset Markets. The council, chaired by David Sacks (Trump's "AI and Crypto Czar"), is tasked with developing a comprehensive federal regulatory framework for digital assets, including stablecoins, and evaluating the creation of a national digital asset stockpile.

According to reports from multiple sources, the competition for positions has intensified significantly. "Everyone and their mother is begging to be on this council," an unnamed industry insider told the New York Post. Other prominent candidates include Kraken's former general counsel Marco Santori, Circle CEO Jeremy Allaire, Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong, and Crypto.com CEO Kris Marszalek.

Why Garlinghouse's Appointment Matters

The timing of Garlinghouse's potential appointment is particularly significant. Ripple has spent years battling the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission over whether XRP should be classified as a security. With Trump appointing pro-crypto advocate Paul Atkins as SEC Chair, the regulatory landscape appears to be shifting in favor of clearer, more innovation-friendly policies.

The White House's official fact sheet emphasizes that the Working Group will engage "leading experts in digital assets and digital markets" beyond federal government officials. This creates a direct pathway for Garlinghouse to influence not only XRP's regulatory classification but also broader policy decisions affecting the entire crypto industry.

Will Garlinghouse Resign from Ripple?

Speculation has swirled within the XRP community about whether Garlinghouse would need to step down as Ripple's CEO if appointed to the advisory council. However, pro-XRP lawyer Jeremy Hogan has dismissed these concerns, stating that any requirement to resign would depend on Garlinghouse's employment agreement. "But even if it did, I'm sure the Board would make an exception for this!" Hogan noted, suggesting Ripple's leadership would likely accommodate dual responsibilities.

XRP and Ripple: What's at Stake

The implications of Garlinghouse's potential appointment extend far beyond political influence. Market analysts have outlined several key areas where his involvement could prove transformative for XRP and Ripple:

Garlinghouse's position on the council could accelerate the resolution of Ripple's ongoing SEC case and establish clearer guidelines for whether XRP falls under SEC or CFTC jurisdiction. This clarity has been a top priority for the company and could remove the regulatory uncertainty that has long shadowed the token.

Price Potential and Market Sentiment

Multiple analysts have projected significant price increases tied to Garlinghouse's appointment. Market experts suggest XRP could surge to $5.50 due to increased institutional confidence, with some forecasts reaching $7 by mid-2025 if full regulatory clearance is achieved. While XRP has already demonstrated resilience with recent surges above $3, these projections reflect growing optimism about the token's future under a more favorable regulatory environment.

National Digital Asset Stockpile

One of the most intriguing aspects of Trump's executive order is the evaluation of a "strategic national digital assets stockpile." Garlinghouse has publicly advocated for such a reserve to include multiple cryptocurrencies, not just Bitcoin. "If a govt digital asset reserve is created, I believe it should be representative of the industry, not just one token," Garlinghouse stated on X (formerly Twitter). His advisory role could make XRP's inclusion in such a stockpile more likely.

Partnership Opportunities and Adoption

Ripple's influence in Washington could open doors to major institutional partnerships and accelerate the adoption of its cross-border payment solutions. The company has already expanded its RLUSD stablecoin, which launched in December 2024 after receiving approval from the New York Department of Financial Services. Exchanges including Uphold, Bitstamp, and Revolut have embraced the dollar-pegged stablecoin, strengthening the broader XRP ecosystem.

The Broader Crypto Policy Shift

Trump's executive order represents a dramatic reversal from the Biden administration's approach. The order explicitly revokes Executive Order 14067 and the Treasury Department's Framework for International Engagement on Digital Assets, both of which were viewed by the industry as overly restrictive. The new administration has also prohibited agencies from establishing or promoting central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), addressing a major concern among crypto advocates.

The Working Group's 180-day timeline for proposing a comprehensive regulatory framework signals urgency in creating "crypto-friendly" policies. Combined with the Senate's formation of a new Subcommittee on Digital Assets chaired by Senator Cynthia Lummis, the U.S. government appears committed to making America the "crypto capital of the planet," as Trump has repeatedly promised.

Conclusion: A Pivotal Moment for XRP

Brad Garlinghouse's potential appointment to Trump's crypto advisory council represents more than just political recognition—it could be a watershed moment for XRP, Ripple, and the broader cryptocurrency industry. With direct access to the president, influence over regulatory frameworks, and the ability to shape discussions around digital asset policy, Garlinghouse would be positioned to advance not only Ripple's interests but also advocate for clearer, innovation-friendly regulations that benefit the entire sector.

While the final composition of the council has not been officially announced, Garlinghouse's meeting with Trump and his company's growing policy presence in Washington suggest he is well-positioned to secure a seat. For XRP investors and the crypto community at large, the coming weeks could bring clarity on one of the most consequential appointments in the industry's history.

DISCLAIMER: This newsletter is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice, advertising, or a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any securities. This content is not sponsored by or affiliated with any of the mentioned entities. Investments in cryptocurrencies or other financial assets carry significant risks, including the potential for total loss, extreme volatility, and regulatory uncertainty. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Always consult a qualified financial professional and conduct thorough research before making any investment decisions.

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