Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse expressed his most favorable comments to date regarding Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris during his appearance at D.C. Fintech Week on Wednesday. Although Garlinghouse reiterated Ripple’s neutral stance in the 2024 U.S. presidential election, his remarks highlighted the sophistication of Harris’ approach to digital assets, contrasting it with Donald Trump’s more aggressive strategy.
Garlinghouse’s Remarks on Harris
Speaking onstage, Garlinghouse praised Vice President Harris for her more nuanced stance on cryptocurrency. “Obviously, Trump came out early and very aggressively… and said he’s the crypto president,” Garlinghouse noted. “Kamala and Team Harris have been more nuanced.”
The Ripple CEO lauded Harris’ recent announcement supporting a crypto regulatory framework if elected, calling the move “most constructive.” Although he acknowledged that Harris has been relatively quiet on crypto compared to Trump, Garlinghouse emphasized her pro-technology background, given her roots in Silicon Valley.
A Reset for Crypto in 2024?
Garlinghouse went on to suggest that regardless of whether Harris or Trump wins the presidency, the crypto industry will benefit. “No matter what happens, we’re going to see a reset, we’re going to see forward progress,” he said. The Ripple executive also criticized the Biden Administration’s approach to cryptocurrency, calling it a “failed approach.”
Ripple’s Political Scrutiny
Ripple’s leadership has recently come under scrutiny within the crypto industry, particularly regarding its political allegiances. On Monday, Chris Larsen, one of Ripple’s co-founders, announced a personal donation of $10 million worth of XRP to aid Harris’ campaign, following a $1 million donation in August. XRP, created by Ripple’s founders, is a cryptocurrency that plays a significant role in the company’s money-moving solutions.
Some industry figures, including VC Nic Carter, criticized the donation, given Trump’s vocal appeals to crypto projects and holders. Carter called Larsen’s financial backing of Harris “completely baffling.”
Maintaining Neutrality
Despite this political backdrop, Garlinghouse reiterated Ripple’s position of neutrality, refusing to endorse either presidential candidate before November. However, his positive remarks about Harris have already sparked debate within the industry.
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