Ripple CEO Weighs in After Musk’s Remarks on XRP and Crypto Freedom

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Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse responded to Elon Musk’s recent comments on crypto, specifically XRP. Musk, while speaking in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was asked about XRP and the XRP Ledger’s future potential in financial institutions, especially given the ongoing SEC scrutiny under Gary Gensler.

Musk’s View on Crypto’s Role

Musk, however, shifted the discussion to a broader view of cryptocurrency. He called crypto an “interesting bulwark” against centralized control, stating that it inherently supports individual freedom. Despite this, Musk emphasized that his remarks were “not an endorsement or lack of endorsement” for XRP in particular.

This response prompted Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse to weigh in on the matter. Garlinghouse stressed that people care about crypto and XRP. He disagreed with the notion that XRP is a niche issue, asserting that users are concerned about crypto regulations. He added that they want policies that drive innovation and create jobs.

Voters care about crypto – they care about XRP – it's not a niche issue. They want real policies that drive innovation and create jobs.

Candidates that ignore crypto and blockchain risk a serious loss in support from a growing, informed voter base. https://t.co/PfrjjyzCBn
— Brad Garlinghouse (@bgarlinghouse) October 21, 2024

Garlinghouse shared a video clip of Musk’s remarks on his social media, further emphasizing that crypto, especially XRP, is a major issue for many.

Musk’s Previous Comments on Crypto

Earlier in the year, Musk touched on crypto during a podcast. The host asked if Musk still supported Dogecoin as he did in 2021 when DOGE hit an all-time high.

Musk, once calling himself “The DogeFather,” endorsed Dogecoin on Saturday Night Live but later clarified that he primarily liked it for its connection to dogs and memes. He has acknowledged Bitcoin and other coins but emphasized that he won’t promote any unless in a joking manner.