Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse opposes Bitcoin only reserve for US

Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse has advocated for a US digital asset reserve incorporating multiple cryptocurrencies rather than focusing solely on Bitcoin.

In a Jan. 28 post on X (formerly Twitter), Garlinghouse suggested that a future US digital asset reserve should reflect the diversity of the crypto ecosystem. He argued that restricting such a reserve to a single token would fail to capture the broader landscape of the industry.

He wrote:

“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).”

Garlinghouse’s stance contrasts with the growing support for a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, which many crypto advocates view as a tool to strengthen the US dollar and protect national economic interests.

VanEck’s head of research, Mathew Sigel, has backed the idea of a Bitcoin-focused reserve, describing Bitcoin as uniquely suitable for a government stockpile. Sigel said:

“A Bitcoin Stockpile will Help the entire Space. No need to pick ‘American’ projects whose leaders only Sell, never Buy. Incentives for American Projects can still exist via the Tax Code.”

However, Garlinghouse criticized the narrow focus on Bitcoin, calling it an outdated perspective. He stressed the need for a collaborative mindset within the crypto sector to achieve shared goals, emphasizing that progress relies on unity rather than divisive competition.

Garlinghouse added:

“The crypto industry has a real shot, here and now, to achieve the many goals we have in common, IF we work together instead of tearing each other down. This is not, and never will be, a zero-sum game.”

Industry tensions

Garlinghouse’s comment comes as tensions between the XRP community and Bitcoin supporters have escalated, with claims that Ripple has lobbied against establishing a Bitcoin reserve.

Critics accuse Ripple of undermining industry unity while pursuing its own interests. Jack Mallers, CEO of Zap, said:

“Ripple is undermining American prosperity, freedom, and Bitcoin. Ripple is actively lobbying to stop a Bitcoin Strategic Reserve in the U.S. while pushing their centralized, corporate-controlled token. “

Pierre Rochard, VP of Research at Bitcoin miner Riot, has been extremely vocal in this debate. He said in reply to Garlinghouse,

“Reserves and stockpiles should be strategic based on the needs of the nation aligning with specific properties of assets.

They shouldn’t be a DEI hodgepodge of random crypto ticker symbols shilled by industry lobbyists.”

Bitcoin podcaster Walker also commented on Garlinghouse’s statements,

“CEO OF SHITCOIN COMPANY WHO SPENT YEARS SPREADING DISINFORMATION ABOUT BITCOIN NOW WANTS US ALL TO BE FRIENDS, CALLS MAXIMALISTS THE ENEMY.”

However, Garlinghouse previously clarified that Ripple’s advocacy extends to all digital assets, including Bitcoin, and aims to foster a balanced and inclusive regulatory framework.

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