Strategic Reserve: Will The US Adopt XRP Alongside Bitcoin?

The potential inclusion of XRP in the US Strategic Reserve has sparked intense debate, with experts sharply divided on the matter. While proponents like Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse recommend a diversified US strategic reserve, Bitcoin maximalists vehemently oppose the idea.

Since the 2024 Bitcoin Conference in Nashville, the community has eagerly awaited the US adoption of a strategic Bitcoin reserve. The recent executive order from President Donald Trump to develop a national digital asset stockpile has significantly intensified excitement. However, the focus shifted to a possible XRP reserve following Garlinghouse’s crucial statement.

Community Divides over US Strategic Reserve: XRP or Bitcoin?

In his X post, crypto influencer Scott Melker, also known as The Wolf of All Streets, commented on the possibility of an XRP reserve in the United States. Reiterating his previous views, Melker stated, “I don’t share rumors unless I hear them from multiple, reliable sources.”

However, Bitcoin enthusiast Wayne Vaughan strongly rejected the notion of an XRP reserve, warning that “including anything other than Bitcoin would have serious negative consequences.” Another popular Bitcoin figure known on X as AP_Abacus shared an anonymous but uniquely connected comment on the XRP reserve. The comment suggested that XRP’s attempts to join the US reserve are ultimately doomed to fail, as Bitcoin remains the undisputed focus.

Ripple’s Alleged Efforts to Hail XRP as US Reserve

Further, Scott Melker substantiated his claims by referring to American entrepreneur Jack Mallers’ controversial statement about Ripple.

Recently, Mallers alleged Ripple of “undermining American prosperity and freedom,” by trying to block the US Bitcoin strategic reserve. Describing Ripple’s act as “corporate lobbying disguised as innovation,” he stated that Ripple is spending millions to include XRP in the US strategic reserve.

The topic of the XRP reserve comes amidst recent developments in the Ripple-SEC lawsuit, with the crypto extension filing for an extension to file its brief. Meanwhile, Gary Gensler’s resignation and the recent developments within the SEC have sparked excitement in the community, anticipating a conclusion to the ongoing legal battle.

Brad Garlinghouse’s Theory of Diversified Strategic Reserve

Notably, the idea of an XRP reserve has surged following a significant statement by Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse, who discussed the potential for a diversified strategic reserve. However, Garlinghouse didn’t solely advocate for XRP as a reserve asset but proposed a blend of various digital assets. Garlinghouse stated,

I own XRP, BTC, and ETH, among a handful of others – we live in a multichain world, and I’ve advocated for a level-playing field instead of one token versus another. If a govt digital asset reserve is created – I believe it should be representative of the industry, not just one token (whether it be BTC, XRP or anything else).

Donald Trump’s Strategic Bitcoin Reserve

During his election campaigns, Donald Trump proposed a strategic Bitcoin reserve, gaining widespread traction. Influenced by Trump’s progressive approach, global powers like Bhutan, Hong Kong, Germany, the Czech Republic, and many more are embracing a similar stance.

However, as Trump hasn’t unveiled his decision on the Bitcoin reserve after his inauguration on January 20, the community remains anxious. The recent focus shift to an XRP reserve has further escalated the debate around the future of cryptocurrency reserves in the US.