Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse Calls Out Pro-Bitcoin Senator

Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse has raised concerns over a canceled meeting with U.S. Senator Cynthia Lummis, a known supporter of Bitcoin. The canceled engagement and refusal to reschedule have drawn attention as Garlinghouse visits Washington, D.C., to advocate for a balanced and inclusive approach to digital asset regulation.

Brad Garlinghouse Criticizes Lummis for Meeting Cancellation

Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse, while on a trip to Washington, D.C., shared that Senator Cynthia Lummis cancelled a scheduled meeting and has not agreed to reschedule it. In a post on X, Garlinghouse expressed disappointment in the decision.

“I hope you will reconsider and be a leader for ALL of crypto,” Brad Garlinghouse wrote in his statement. He also extended an invitation to the Senator to join him for a public discussion on X Spaces or a live event.

Brad Garlinghouse emphasized the need for leaders to support all blockchain networks, not just Bitcoin pointing out Lummis chairs the Senate Digital Assets Subcommittee and represents Wyoming, a state known for its crypto-friendly policies and should be open to talks.

The comments come as Garlinghouse continues to advocate for stablecoin and crypto market structure legislation. These comments mirror the worries that Bitcoin’s support could overshadow other digital assets and the companies developing blockchain solutions.

Community Response Highlights Growing Division

The situation elicited responses from several voices in the digital asset community, with some accusing the Senator of being partial. On X, user @DarkScarf89 expressed curiosity as to why the Senator had refused a meeting pointing to a divergence in support of level playing field might not quite match Bitcoin-only narrative.

However, Bitcoin advocates praised Senator Lummis. A Bitcoin maxi, Troy Cross thanked her for “keeping the scammers at bay”, indicating distrust about Ripple and its cryptocurrency, XRP.

The debate revealed a tension between Bitcoin maximalists and broader blockchain ecosystem supporters. Some industry players insist that all digital assets should be included in regulation, not just Bitcoin.

Lummis Supports Bitcoin Amid Broader Crypto Efforts

Despite the controversy, Senator Lummis has remained vocal about her support for Bitcoin. She has previously encouraged Americans to invest in Bitcoin as a long-term asset, especially in the face of rising government spending and concerns about inflation.

“I encourage people to save Bitcoin for their retirement, for their future,” Lummis said recently. She has repeatedly called Bitcoin a safe hedge against the weakening U.S. dollar. Her consistent messaging on Bitcoin has earned her strong backing from the Bitcoin community, though it has also led to criticism from other parts of the digital asset space.

At the same time, Lummis has worked with other lawmakers on crypto-related legislation. She and Senator Bernie Moreno introduced a bill to improve how digital assets are treated under U.S. tax law. Moreover, she also voiced her frustration when the bipartisan GENIUS Act, which aimed to establish a framework for stablecoins, failed to pass.

XRP Futures Launch Adds Pressure for Regulatory Clarity

With CME XRP futures officially live today, focus shifts once again to the spot XRP ETF which still awaits regulatory sanction. Additionally, listing futures means more institutional interest in XRP and further pressure on regulators to make clear what they think about these investment products.

Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse had earlier said he expects a spot XRP ETF to be approved by the end of 2025, especially after Ripple’s legal battle with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission concluded.

Moreover, amid the different opinions, analysts and lawyers like Fred Rispoli have highlighted XRP’s potential for inclusion in a proposed digital asset reserve under a Trump-era executive order.