The debate over the formation of a U.S. national digital asset reserve has intensified, with Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse advocating for the inclusion of multiple cryptocurrencies instead of limiting the reserve to Bitcoin alone. His stance has sparked controversy within the crypto community, particularly among Bitcoin maximalists who argue that BTC should be the only asset in the reserve.
Garlinghouse Calls for Collaboration Over Competition
Brad Garlinghouse has been vocal about the need for a diversified government-backed digital asset reserve, emphasizing that the cryptocurrency industry should not be a "zero-sum game." In a recent discussion, he argued that instead of competing, different digital assets should coexist and contribute to the sector’s overall growth.
“If a government digital asset reserve is created, I believe it should be diversified. It should include more than just one token, whether it’s BTC, XRP, or any other,” Garlinghouse stated.
As Ripple continues working with U.S. regulators to establish XRP's role in digital finance, the company is pushing for a balanced and fair reserve that promotes the entire crypto industry rather than favoring a single asset.
Bitcoin Maximalists Reject the Idea
Not everyone in the crypto space agrees with Garlinghouse’s stance. Bitcoin maximalists argue that BTC’s decentralized nature and global adoption make it the only suitable choice for a U.S. digital asset reserve.
Pierre Rochard, Vice President of Riot Platforms, believes Bitcoin should be the sole reserve asset, dismissing XRP and other altcoins as unworthy. Similarly, Michael Goldstein, President of the Satoshi Nakamoto Institute, accused Ripple of running "propaganda campaigns" against Bitcoin.
Further adding to the controversy, some reports suggest that Ripple has been lobbying against a Bitcoin-only reserve, leading to accusations that the company is trying to influence government policies in its favor.
Trump’s Crypto Stance and the Probability of a U.S. Reserve
The discussion about a potential national digital asset reserve gained momentum after U.S. President Donald Trump hinted at exploring the idea. During his campaign, Trump expressed an openness to cryptocurrency and blockchain technology, a departure from the Biden administration’s regulatory crackdowns.
Despite Bitcoin’s dominance in the market, Polymarket data suggests only a 17% chance that Trump will approve a U.S. crypto reserve within his first 100 days in office.
Market Implications and Future Outlook
Garlinghouse’s advocacy for a multichain reserve aligns with Ripple’s vision of promoting financial inclusion through XRP’s use in cross-border payments and remittances. While his idea faces resistance, it has sparked a broader discussion about crypto’s future role in national economies.
From a market perspective, XRP’s price recently dropped from $3.09 to $2.65, reflecting uncertainty around its adoption in a potential government-backed reserve. Meanwhile, Bitcoin continues to trade above key levels as investors remain optimistic about its growing institutional adoption.
Final Thoughts
The battle over the structure of a U.S. digital asset reserve underscores the divide between Bitcoin maximalists and those advocating for a more inclusive crypto ecosystem. Whether or not the U.S. government embraces a diversified reserve, the conversation highlights the evolving role of digital assets in global finance.
As regulatory discussions continue, Ripple’s push for an inclusive reserve could shape future policies, determining how digital assets are integrated into national financial systems.
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