Ripple CEO and Trump Discuss Crypto: Key Insights from Mar-a-Lago Meeting
Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse and CLO Stuart Alderoty had dinner with former US President Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago last night.
Garlinghouse tweeted, “Great dinner last night with @realDonaldTrump & @s_alderoty. 2025 is off to a great start!” Alderoty chimed in, “The beef bourguignon was good.”
This is a big moment for Ripple after their wins against the SEC and the crypto market is looking up. Analysts are now expecting XRP to $3 as Ripple consolidates in the blockchain space.
Ripple’s SEC Victory: Turning the Tide
Ripple’s recent win against the SEC was a big moment for the crypto industry. The two year lawsuit claimed XRP was an unregistered security but the court ruled in Ripple’s favor. Pro-XRP lawyer John Deaton on X:
- Ripple disclosed every XRP transaction during the case, was transparent.
- The SEC got slammed for their aggressive litigation tactics, including personal subpoenas to Garlinghouse.
Deaton said “Ripple is stronger, sets a precedent for the rest of the crypto space.” With this win and Ripple’s growing domestic presence, the company is looking good for the long term.
Ripple’s Market Expansion and Policy Impact
Ripple has increased its US focused efforts with 3/4 of its recent hires being domestic. In the last 6 weeks of 2024, Ripple signed more US contracts than in the previous 6 months, they are definitely pivoting to the US market.
More talks about crypto friendly policies are happening. US Senator Cynthia Lummis, a blockchain supporter, is reportedly talking to Paul Atkins, a candidate for SEC Chairman under President-elect Trump. These talks are about regulatory reform to support innovation in digital assets.
Ripple is expanding its market reach with new projects like the RLUSD stablecoin with Chainlink. They expect RLUSD to be the foundation of the DeFi space.
Key Takeaways from the Mar-a-Lago Meeting
- Ripple’s recent $11 billion valuation is considered outdated by CEO Garlinghouse, hinting at further growth.
- Ripple’s strategic engagement with policymakers signals optimism for a crypto-friendly regulatory environment.
- Continued adoption of Ripple’s blockchain solutions positions it as a leader in the evolving digital asset landscape.
As Ripple strengthens its market presence and forges influential relationships, the coming months could define a new chapter for the company and the broader cryptocurrency industry.
