Michaela
U.S. President Donald Trump has reportedly been influenced bу a lobbyist with ties to Ripple Labs, leading him to spotlight the company in a Truth Social post advocating for a “Crypto Strategic Reserve.”
In early March, President Trump used his Truth Social platform to advocate for the “Crypto Strategic Reserve,” signaling support for the digital asset industry. According to a report by Politico, the post may have been influenced by a lobbyist from Ballard Partners, the firm led by prominent GOP operative Brian Ballard. The lobbyist allegedly urged President Trump on multiple occasions to publicly back cryptocurrency and even provided him with a suggested message for his post.
In his Truth Social post, President Trump expressed support for several digital assets, including Ripple (XRP), Solana (SOL), and Cardano (ADA). It was only after the post went live that he reportedly learned Ripple Labs—the company behind XRP—was a client of Ballard Partners. According to two individuals with direct knowledge of the matter, who spoke on condition of anonymity, Trump “was furious and felt like he’d been used.”
“He is not welcome in anything anymore,” President Trump reportedly told associates at the White House, referring to Ballard.
According to three individuals with knowledge of the situation, White House staff were directed to avoid meetings with Ballard in the aftermath of President Trump’s Truth Social post, effectively sidelining the lobbyist from West Wing access for the time being.
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Additionally, some White House officials reportedly believe that Ballard has been leveraging his association with President Trump, despite the relationship being far less close than he has led others to believe.
“One way to get yourself in the doghouse is for the president to think you’re trading on his name,” another close Trump ally stated. “The president understands that lobbyists make money — he gets that. But I mean, to go out there and brag and hold yourself out?” they added.
Ballard told Politico that he rejects claims of leveraging his connections within the West Wing to attract clients and also denied any suggestion that he has been sidelined from the White House. Additionally, a Ballard assоciate has reportedly stated that there was no intention to mislead the president into sharing the Truth Social post.
Politico reported that there is some supporting evidence for Ballard’s statement, including invitations he received to attend Trump fundraisers and records of a planned call with a senior Trump administration official, which Politico has reviewed.
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Furthermore, Ballard’s clients have maintained access to high-ranking officials in the Trump administration, including a recent meeting between the president and executives from the NFL, a group Ballard represents.
“[D]espite the efforts of these unnаmed sources, Ballard Partners will continue to deliver results and effective advocacy for our clients as we have done for more than 25 years,” Ballard said.
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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 еnsure engaging reporting. A lifelong book lover, she aрplies her passion for reading to deeply explore the constantly evolving crypto world.
