Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse declared on X this week that the so-called 'Anti-Crypto Army' has been defeated — by the courts, by voters, and by President Donald Trump's promises. The post, which also voiced support for Trump, marks one of the clearest political alignments yet from a major crypto executive as the industry pushes for clearer rules.
What Garlinghouse said
Garlinghouse didn't mince words. In his post on X, he credited three forces for the defeat of what he called the 'Anti-Crypto Army': judicial rulings, the electorate, and the commitments made by President Trump. He expressed support for Trump in the context of the ongoing U.S. crypto regulatory battle, framing the president as a key ally in the industry's fight. The post didn't elaborate on specific court decisions or election results, but the message was clear — the opposition to crypto, in Garlinghouse's view, has lost.
Why the timing matters
The statement comes as the regulatory landscape remains a central concern for crypto firms. Ripple itself has been entangled in a long-running legal dispute with U.S. regulators, though the specifics of that case were not mentioned in Garlinghouse's post. His decision to publicly back a political figure signals that he sees the current administration as favorable to crypto interests. It's a sharp departure from the industry's traditionally cautious approach to partisan politics.
The broader picture
Garlinghouse's declaration isn't just about Ripple. It reflects a growing sentiment among some crypto leaders that the political and judicial winds have shifted. By citing 'voters' and Trump's 'promises,' he's pointing to the 2024 election and subsequent policy moves as turning points. Whether that view is widely shared across the industry remains an open question — other executives have been more measured. But for now, Garlinghouse has staked out a clear position.
What comes next
The next test will be whether the promised regulatory clarity actually materializes. Garlinghouse's endorsement puts him squarely behind Trump's agenda, but the crypto world has seen promises before. The industry will be watching for concrete actions — rulemaking, enforcement shifts, or legislative progress — that match the rhetoric. For Ripple, the legal battle continues, but the CEO has made his political bet.
