Ripple CEO Reacts to Intensifying Feud Between Bitcoiners and XRP Community

• Ripple faces objection for allegedly lobbying against a Bitcoin reserve, fueling tensions.
• Social media debates boosted, with Ripple accused of mass XRP sales and vandalizing its public credibility.
• The feud reflects deep divisions between Bitcoin and XRP communities, with no resolution in sight.

Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse has addressed the growing tensions between Bitcoin supporters and XRP enthusiasts. After a period of relative unity within the cryptocurrency industry following major legal victories in 2024, a public clash erupted between the two communities. The conflict stems from allegations that Ripple lobbied against the creation of a Bitcoin reserve, sparking heated debates among prominent figures.

Accusations Against Ripple

The feud began when Pierre Rochard of Riot Platforms accused Ripple of actively lobbying against a proposed Bitcoin reserve. Garlinghouse indirectly acknowledged the company’s support for a multi-token alternative, a stance that provoked strong reactions from Bitcoin maximalists. Jack Mallers, founder of Strike, claimed Ripple’s actions undermined economic “freedom” and “prosperity” in the U.S.

Swan Bitcoin CEO Brady Swenson labeled XRP a centralized scam which deludes users into thinking it is a genuine digital asset. Samson Mow who identifies strongly with Bitcoin opinions said Ripple deserves immense opposition from cryptocurrency communities.

Social Media Reactions

The conflict escalated on social media, with Alexander Leishman, CEO of River, comparing Ripple to failed companies like Enron. He argued that Ripple’s lobbying efforts did not serve taxpayers or the broader public interest. Rochard further accused Ripple of preparing for a significant sell-off of XRP by moving large amounts of the token to exchanges.

In response to Garlinghouse’s comments, Rochard challenged Ripple’s credibility, questioning its lobbying efforts and mass selling of XRP. He argued that Ripple’s actions did not align with its public statements about promoting transparency and credibility.
Despite calls for unity within the cryptocurrency industry, the divide between Bitcoin and XRP supporters continues to widen. Public exchanges between major figures underscore the deeply entrenched differences between the two communities. Ripple’s stance on multi-token alternatives and its business practices remain focal points of contention. For now, the animosity between these groups persists, showing no immediate path toward reconciliation.