Lobbying Scandal Reveals XRP’s Inclusion in U.S. Crypto Reserve Was Not Trump’s Initiative

New reports from Politico have uncovered that XRP’s inclusion in former U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed cryptocurrency reserve may have been the result of behind-the-scenes lobbying efforts rather than a direct presidential decision. Documents indicate that a Ripple-linked lobbyist, Ballard, played a significant role in securing XRP’s position in the strategic reserve plan. The controversy traces back to Trump’s March 2025 executive order, which initially proposed the creation of a crypto reserve. This revelation raises questions about the transparency and motivations behind the selection of specific cryptocurrencies for national reserves. As of May 2025, the implications of this lobbying scandal remain under scrutiny, potentially affecting XRP’s regulatory standing and market perception.

XRP in U.S. Crypto Reserve Was Not Trump’s Idea: Lobbying Scandal Emerges

New reports from Politico suggest that XRP’s inclusion in former U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed crypto reserve may have been influenced by behind-the-scenes lobbying rather than presidential initiative. Documents reveal that Ripple-linked lobbyist Ballard allegedly played a key role in securing XRP’s position in the strategic reserve plan.

The controversy stems from Trump’s March 2025 executive order establishing a cryptocurrency reserve, which unexpectedly included XRP alongside more established assets. While the original announcement framed this as an administration decision, emerging evidence points to potential undue influence from private interests seeking to benefit specific digital assets.

Political analysts note this development could undermine confidence in the regulatory process for digital assets, particularly as the U.S. seeks to establish clear frameworks for cryptocurrency adoption. The situation echoes past concerns about special interest influence in financial policy decisions.

Ripple Settles With SEC for $50 Million, Ending Landmark Crypto Legal Battle

Ripple Labs Inc. has reached a $50 million settlement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, concluding a three-year legal battle that carried significant implications for cryptocurrency regulation. The resolution comes without admission of wrongdoing by Ripple or its executives Bradley Garlinghouse and Christian A. Larsen.

The SEC’s 2020 lawsuit alleged Ripple illegally sold XRP as an unregistered security. This case became a bellwether for how U.S. regulators WOULD approach cryptocurrency classification. While the settlement avoids establishing legal precedent, market participants view the resolution as removing a key overhang for XRP.

Regulatory clarity remains elusive for the broader crypto sector. The SEC’s aggressive posture toward digital assets continues, even as this settlement demonstrates the agency’s willingness to resolve cases without protracted litigation. XRP’s status remains in a gray area—neither explicitly approved nor condemned by regulators.