Ripple’s CEO Brad Garlinghouse and Chief Legal Officer Stuart Alderoty had dinner with President-elect Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago. They posted a picture on X, and it blew up online.
What Happened at Dinner?
Neither Garlinghouse nor Alderoty spilled the beans on what they discussed. Garlinghouse simply tweeted about a “great dinner,” while Alderoty raved about the beef bourguignon. This left the crypto world guessing. Was it about Ripple’s legal battle with the SEC? Maybe.
The Ripple-SEC Case and Speculation
The timing is interesting. The SEC’s appeal deadline in the Ripple case is just days before Trump’s inauguration. Trump’s pick for SEC chair, Paul Atkins, could significantly impact the case. Some XRP fans hope the new administration will drop the appeal, but nothing’s official.
Mixed Reactions in the Crypto Community
The meeting’s been met with mixed reactions. Many XRP supporters are thrilled, seeing it as a sign of friendlier crypto policies under Trump. Cardano founder Charles Hoskinson even congratulated Garlinghouse. Other influencers echoed the positive sentiment, using hashtags like “#XRPARMY” and “Make crypto great again!”
However, some are skeptical. One user questioned the cost of the dinner, suggesting it might have been quite expensive.
Garlinghouse’s Optimism and Ripple’s Growth
Garlinghouse himself is very optimistic about a “Trump bull market” for crypto. He pointed to Ripple’s recent growth, noting a significant increase in US-based hires and deals since the election. He attributes this success to the “Trump effect,” citing Trump and his allies’ efforts to boost innovation.
The Bottom Line
At the time of writing, XRP was trading at $2.28. The dinner meeting has definitely generated buzz, with many hoping it signals a positive shift in crypto regulation under the upcoming Trump administration. Whether that hope materializes remains to be seen.
