Why Ripple Advocated for Solana in Trump’s Crypto Reserve Plan

Recent reports suggest that Ripple executives were aware that a strategic crypto reserve featuring only XRP could face skepticism. To address this, Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse and Chief Legal Officer Stu Alderoty reportedly urged former President Donald Trump to include Solana (SOL) in the proposed digital asset reserve.

According to sources familiar with the matter, this move was meant to enhance credibility within the crypto community and position the reserve as a collection of American-backed tokens rather than a single-company initiative.

Ripple has long faced criticism over XRP’s speculative nature and the debate surrounding its real-world utility. Despite a market cap of $145 billion, XRP’s role in financial systems remains a topic of discussion among investors. By advocating for a broader selection of tokens, Ripple appeared to be countering claims that its involvement was solely for self-interest.

However, the announcement of the strategic reserve still drew backlash, with many in the crypto space questioning its legitimacy. At the time, the absence of Bitcoin and Ethereum from Trump’s announcement on the matter only fueled further skepticism.

The first three assets mentioned in the reserve—XRP, SOL, and ADA—are not widely viewed as stores of value. This has led to speculation over whether the reserve is intended for significant accumulation or merely serves as a publicity effort benefiting early investors and insiders.

Ripple Promotes Industry Unity Amid Criticism

When asked whether Ripple had advocated for SOL’s inclusion to bolster XRP’s standing, a company spokesperson directed inquiries to a statement from Garlinghouse. In a post following Trump’s announcement, Garlinghouse emphasized the need for collaboration across the crypto sector, urging the industry to unite rather than remain divided by token allegiances. He expressed appreciation for Trump’s approach, particularly his acknowledgment of a multichain future, and took a swipe at previous regulatory challenges under the Biden administration.

Ripple’s messaging has consistently emphasized cooperation within the industry, portraying itself as a unifying force rather than a competitor against other blockchain projects. While this narrative aligns with its public stance, it also serves a strategic purpose, allowing Ripple to justify pushing for the inclusion of other tokens without appearing solely self-serving.

As the week ended, Trump signed an executive order establishing a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and national digital asset stockpile. The order clearly names Bitcoin, but at this time it’s unclear what other digital assets, such as XRP or Solana, will make up the national stockpile.