USA Today’s Bold XRP Endorsement Ignites Crypto Twitter Firestorm

Crypto Twitter erupts as mainstream media dips its toes in digital asset waters—again.

When USA Today waded into the XRP debate, the reaction was swift, brutal, and dripping with crypto-native skepticism. The establishment press just can't catch a break in this space.

Here's why the community pushed back:

• Institutional validation cuts both ways—while some see credibility, others smell desperation

• The 'recommendation' reeks of 2021-era crypto tourism (remember when every outlet suddenly became experts?)

• XRP's legal limbo makes any endorsement a political statement—whether intended or not

Meanwhile, Bitcoin maximalists used the moment to recycle their 'shitcoin' playbook, while DeFi degens shrugged—too busy farming the next memecoin airdrop to care about legacy media takes.

Funny how these publications always discover crypto during bull runs—almost like their advertisers demand it. As one anon put it: 'Next week's headline: 'Why We're All In On Dogecoin (Sponsored By Charles Schwab)''

Crypto Twitter Reacts: From Praise to Outrage

The social media backlash was swift. Critics didn’t hold back in questioning both USA Today’s credibility and the legitimacy of XRP as an investment. Comments like “Smartest way to waste $500” and “I wonder if there was ever a faker news” flooded in. Others simply posted memes mocking the idea.

Some accused the article of being misleading or even financially irresponsible, with users calling it “unlicensed financial advice” lacking necessary disclaimers or risk warnings. The most vocal critics painted the MOVE as reckless, especially for a publication with such a large audience.

XRP Supporters Defend the Pick

While critics called the article irresponsible, XRP enthusiasts rallied to its defense. Many were quick to embrace the spotlight, with one user writing, “Don’t sleep on XRP. Don’t listen to all the haters.”

To XRP holders, this kind of mainstream recognition was seen as validation. Some viewed it as a sign that the token’s utility and potential are finally being appreciated beyond the crypto bubble.

Laura Shin Questions the Recommendation

Respected journalist and host of the Unchained podcast, Laura Shin, also weighed in on the controversy. She pointed out the need for “crypto-literate journalists” at mainstream outlets, suggesting that the article oversimplified the complex investment landscape.

Responding to XRP fans who questioned her skepticism, Shin said, “The fact is that after 13 years, Ripple has barely any traction or volume.” Her comments struck a nerve and sparked further debate on whether XRP’s long-term performance justifies such positive headlines.

Critics Dig Into Author’s Track Record

Adding fuel to the fire, some critics questioned Will Ebiefung’s previous investment advice. One user pointed out that Ebiefung had previously promoted SAND, the native token of The Sandbox metaverse project, in February 2022—when the coin traded near $4. That same token has since fallen to below $0.26, casting doubt on the author’s track record.

The criticism was framed not just around XRP but around the credibility of financial guidance from popular media platforms and contributors.

Debate Highlights Crypto’s Divide on Media Influence

This incident underscores the ongoing divide within the crypto space when it comes to mainstream media’s role in shaping investor behavior. While some people welcome recognition of digital assets from large publications, others remain wary of potentially misleading narratives that could influence inexperienced investors.

The polarized response also reflects how different segments of the crypto world view XRP itself—some see it as a viable utility token tied to cross-border payments, while others still consider it controversial due to the Ripple vs SEC lawsuit and past centralization concerns.

XRP Still in the Spotlight

Despite the backlash, the post succeeded in doing one thing: putting XRP back in the spotlight. Whether seen as a smart investment or a risky gamble, XRP continues to generate headlines and spark passionate discussions.

For now, the question remains: Was USA Today’s endorsement of XRP a bold move backed by insight—or a risky recommendation that oversimplifies the complexities of crypto investing?