$XRP
Trump Encounters Lobbying Trap, Announces Cryptocurrency
Reserve Plan and Becomes Furious
According to a report by Politico on May 8,
U.S. President Trump was manipulated by a lobbyist
associated with Ripple Labs, announcing that $XRP tokens
would be included in his national cryptocurrency reserve plan.
The report pointed out that an employee of pro-Trump lobbyist Brian Ballard
provided the president with the text of a social media post,
suggesting he announce that the U.S. would establish a strategic cryptocurrency reserve
that includes $XRP, Solana, and Cardano.
On March 2, Trump posted this information on his social media platform Truth Social:
"The U.S. cryptocurrency reserve will enhance
this critical industry, freeing it from years of corruption attacks by the Biden administration,
which is why my digital asset executive order directs
the presidential task force to advance a strategic reserve of cryptocurrencies, including $XRP, $SOL, and $ADA.
I will ensure that the U.S. becomes
the global capital of cryptocurrency."
However, according to Politico, two individuals familiar with the matter revealed
that Trump only learned after posting that Ripple was one of Ballard's clients,
which made the president feel angry, believing he had been used.
The report quoted Trump as saying:
"He (Ballard) is no longer welcome to participate in any matters."
Following this incident, Ballard quickly became an "unwelcome figure" in the West Wing.