Trump Severs Ties With Ripple-Linked Lobbyist Over Crypto Post Rift

In March, President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social about the creation of a U.S. "Crypto Strategic Reserve" featuring digital assets like XRP, Solana, and Cardano, aiming to position the U.S. as a leading crypto hub. However, it was later revealed that the message was drafted by a lobbyist from Ballard Partners, a firm representing Ripple, which is closely linked to XRP, without Trump's full awareness. Upon learning this, Trump was reportedly furious, feeling manipulated, and subsequently distanced himself and his administration from the lobbyist, who has since been marginalized within Trump’s political circle. The post caused significant price surges for the mentioned cryptocurrencies and sparked internal disputes, with White House officials concerned about the perceived endorsement of some crypto firms over others. Meanwhile, the Trump family's broader involvement in cryptocurrency ventures has drawn scrutiny from lawmakers and ethics watchdogs over potential conflicts of interest and foreign influence. These developments highlight the complex intersection of crypto lobbying, presidential influence, and regulatory concerns surrounding Trump's crypto activities.