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Ripple CEO stirs the crypto pot, reigniting the XRP vs BTC debate on X

Business
Updated: 1/28/2025
Ripple CEO stirs the crypto pot, reigniting the XRP vs BTC debate on X
#Ripple #XRP #BTC
On January 26, 2025, Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse tweeted a seemingly casual message that sparked chaos in the crypto world, particularly between Bitcoin maximalists and XRP enthusiasts.

A tweet that set the market ablaze

https://x.com/bgarlinghouse/status/1883552559778181363

Brad Garlinghouse's "slow weekend" tweet fueled online debates
The simple tweet, “slow weekend, anything exciting happened?” became a battlefield for crypto enthusiasts. While the CEO might not have intended to shake the markets, XRP and Bitcoin saw significant drops, with XRP plummeting 10%-15% in a day and Bitcoin falling nearly 7%.

Market crash: Reasons beyond the tweet

Global tensions and liquidations contributed to the downfall
The Jan. 26 crash wasn’t solely about Garlinghouse’s tweet. Among the factors were new tariffs proposed by Donald Trump, China’s AI advancements with DeepSeek, and a massive $800M in crypto liquidations within 24 hours. Additionally, Bitcoin and Ethereum options expiry at the end of the month caused further uncertainty.

Why XRP faces criticism from Bitcoin supporters

https://x.com/JTWildesMiddle1/status/1883602809268125920

The roots of the XRP vs Bitcoin feud
Since XRP emerged in 2017 as a leader in crypto banking solutions, Bitcoin maximalists have targeted its centralization and reliance on corporate partnerships. Ripple’s strategy to sell XRP for operational sustainability remains a sore point, contrasting Bitcoin’s decentralized ethos and absence of a dev-controlled supply.

Ripple and the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve

Ripple’s government ties spark fresh debates
Rumors about Ripple’s dinner with the Trump administration and XRP’s potential inclusion in a U.S. crypto reserve basket exacerbated tensions. Bitcoiners worry this could dilute Bitcoin's dominance, while Ripple supporters see it as validation of XRP’s utility.

Looking forward: Multi-token or Bitcoin-exclusive?

What’s next for the U.S. crypto strategy?
As the U.S. government explores its crypto reserve options, the crypto community awaits its direction—whether it will embrace a multi-token approach or stay Bitcoin-exclusive. The Ripple vs Bitcoin debate will likely persist, shaping the future of the industry.