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New politico reports suggest that XRP’s inclusion in US President Donald Trump’s proposed Crypto Strategic Reserve may not have been his idea. According to emerging sources, prominent lobbyist Brian Ballard allegedly influenced Trump to include XRP, leveraging his ties with Ripple. In January 2025, Trump signed an executive order establishing the Presidential Working Group on Digital Asset Markets, which laid the foundation for the US Crypto Strategic Reserve. By March, Trump had announced that XRP, Solana, Cardano, Ethereum, and Bitcoin would be part of the official reserve. However, insiders claim that XRP was not initially part of the plan and was added after Ballard’s lobbying efforts.
Ripple Lobbying Scandal: What’s the Buzz?
Brian Ballard, a well-connected lobbyist, is now under scrutiny for allegedly swaying Trump to include XRP in the strategic reserve. Political insiders allege that Ballard received at least $60,000 from Ripple in 2024 to advocate for XRP’s inclusion. While the White House has yet to comment on the matter, sources suggest Trump has severed ties with Ballard after realizing he was misled. This development has ignited widespread speculation, particularly as Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse was a major donor to Trump’s campaign and inauguration fund.
Will XRP Be Dropped from the Strategic Reserve?
Despite the controversy, experts believe Trump is unlikely to drop XRP from the reserve immediately. Given his close ties with Ripple and Garlinghouse, removing XRP could spark backlash from both political and financial backers. Meanwhile, XRP continues to trade bullishly, maintaining a 5.33% gain in May to $2.31, suggesting market confidence remains intact despite the unfolding political drama. As the scandal unfolds, all eyes will be on Trump’s next move and its potential impact on XRP’s market trajectory.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. The author’s views are personal and may not reflect the views of Chain Affairs. Before making any investment decisions, you should always conduct your own research. Chain Affairs is not responsible for any financial losses.
Also Read: XRP’s Shadowy Price Control: Analyst Claims Global Conspiracy to Keep It Under $2
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