Trump's Inclusion of XRP in the US Crypto Reserve May Have Been Influenced by Ripple Lobbyist Brian Ballard

Despite the lobbying scandal, XRP remains in the reserve and trades bullishly, with 2025 price growth holding strong amid political fallout.

President Donald Trump's inclusion of XRP in the US crypto reserve may have been influenced by Ripple lobbyist Brian Ballard, according to reports.

What Happened: According to a report by Politico, Trump is said to be furious with those around him after being duped into believing that a new administration initiative to create a U.S. cryptocurrency reserve was a good idea.

However, the president is said to be even more angry with those who allegedly misled him about the involvement of a crypto lobbying firm in the initiative.

In January, Trump announced the Presidential Working Group on Digital Asset Markets would be focusing on issues related to crypto.

Earlier this month, the president announced on Truth Social that his administration would be investing in a strategic digital asset stockpile, which would include Bitcoin, Cardano, Ethereum, Solana, and XRP.

However, days later, Trump announced in another executive order the creation of a strategic Bitcoin reserve and a U.S. Digital Asset Stockpile for select altcoins. But according to Politico, Trump was told that the coins would be funded by the government, and the administration would be investing in a small sum in each coin.

But the report adds that the large sums that would be invested in Bitcoin and other preferred coins were to come from private investors.

According to the report, Trump was told that the crypto initiative was the brainchild of his own administration. But Politico reports that the idea for the crypto initiative came from Republican mega-donor and Trump fundraiser, William "Bill" Binczak.

The report claims that Binczak, who is also a major contributor to the Republican National Committee, approached Trump's son-in-law and senior advisor, Jared Kushner, in 2024 about the idea for the crypto taskforce.

Binczak is a known crypto enthusiast and has donated millions to political campaigns over the years.

After realizing that the crypto initiative was a scam, Trump is said to have cut ties with several aides and donors, including Republican fundraiser and lobbyist Brian Ballard, who allegedly used his close ties with Ripple to get the token included in Trump's plan.

According to OpenSecrets, Ballard's lobbying firm, Ballard Partners, disclosed receiving at least $60,000 from Ripple in 2024.

The move has sparked speculation in both political and crypto circles, with many wondering how Trump will react to the unfolding situation.

While the White House did not respond to a request for comment, one source told Politico that Trump is "livid" with those who deceived him.

Experts Opine: While Trump is reportedly unhappy about the situation, it's unlikely that he will remove XRP from the strategic reserve immediately.

The president is known for his strong ties with several executives in the industry, including Brad Garlinghouse, the CEO of Ripple. Garlinghouse was a major donor to Trump's campaign and inauguration fund.

Earlier this year, President Trump announced the creation of a new Presidential Working Group on Digital Asset Markets. The group will be tasked with advising the president on the issues surrounding digital assets, including taxation, regulation, and the role of digital assets in the U.S. economy.

The president's announcement comes amid a growing interest in digital assets among world leaders. In January, the European Commission announced plans to propose a comprehensive regulation for cryptocurrencies.

And in February, the Bank for International Settlements (BIS) released a report on the role of central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) in the global financial system.

The president's decision to include XRP in the U.S. crypto reserve is a significant one, and it is sure to spark further discussion about the role of cryptocurrencies in the U.S. economy.

It is still unclear what Trump's plans for the crypto reserve are. However, the president's interest in digital assets is well-documented.

In 2024, Trump's campaign received a significant donation from the crypto industry. And in December, Trump spoke about Bitcoin at a campaign rally.

The president's comments on crypto have often been met with amusement and skepticism by those in the industry. However, there is no doubt that Trump is aware of the growing importance of cryptocurrencies in the 21st century.

It remains to be seen how Trump's involvement in the crypto sphere will unfold in the coming months. However, with the president's passion for ‘MAGA’ and his fury at being duped, it promises to be an interesting story to follow.