Michaela
Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse and Chief Legal Officer Stuart Alderoty have dined with President-elect Donald Trump at his Mar-a-Lago Resort, sparking speculation about potential talks on cryptocurrency regulation.
“Great dinner last night with @realDonaldTrump & @s_alderoty,” Garlinghouse wrote in a post on his X account on January 8, alongside a photo of the trio. Alderoty joined in, reposting Garlinghouse’s picture with a lighthearted comment about how good the beef bourguignon was.
This meeting marks a significant moment for Ripple as the company navigates the evolving crypto ecosystem and regulatory shifts heading into 2025, while also continuing its pivotal legal battle against the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
Ripple recently secured a legal victory against the SEC, which had alleged that the company sold unregistered securities through its native token, XRP. The ruling marks a key moment in the platform’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its standing in the crypto industry. It clarified that XRP is not a security — a decision that could influence how regulators assess a variety of digital assets moving forward.
Related: Hong Kong Proposes Rules Allowing Insurers to Invest in Crypto
Garlinghouse has expressed optimism about the impact of Trump’s influence on the crypto sector, particularly regarding Ripple’s business prospects. In a previous X post, Garlinghouse emphasized that the so-called “Trump effect” has been tangible, with Ripple seeing a shift in opportunities since Trump’s electoral victory.
The Ripple CEO pointed out that the company faced challenges expanding in the U.S. due to the regulatory oversight of SEC Chair Gary Gensler, which led Ripple to focus its growth efforts overseas. However, since Trump’s return to the political scene, Garlinghouse has seen a significant rise in U.S.-based business opportunities for the platform.
The dinner’s timing is significant, aligning with the approach of a crucial deadline in the ongoing SEC vs. Ripple case. The SEC is required to file its opening brief for an appeal by January 15, in relation to the July 2023 ruling.
Related: US Lawmakers Propose Tax Breaks for Small Stablecoin Payments and Staking
Bill Morgan, a lawyer supportive of crypto, weighed in on the dinner, suggesting that Ripple’s substantial donation to Trump’s inauguration could be yielding positive results. “Love to be a fly on the wall during their discussion,” Morgan teased.
The meeting highlights a critical moment in the ongoing relationship between politics and the cryptocurrency sector, where decisions made in Washington, D.C., hold the potential to reshape the operational environment for blockchain and digital asset firms like Ripple.
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MICHAELA
Michaela is a news writer focused on cryptocurrency and blockchain topics. She prioritizes rigorous research and accuracy to uncover interesting angles and ensure engaging reporting. A lifelong book lover, she applies her passion for reading to deeply explore the constantly evolving crypto world.
