Claim:
Donald Trump “blacklisted” XRP after a since-deleted social media post endorsing a “crypto strategic reserve” that included XRP, allegedly due to being misled by a Ripple-linked lobbyist.
Reality Check:
1. No Formal Policy or Blacklist Exists
As of the available information, there is **no credible evidence** of an official ban, blacklist, or regulatory action against XRP tied to Donald Trump. The claim hinges on a deleted social media post from March 2025 (a hypothetical future date) and unverified reports of Trump’s personal frustration with lobbyist Brian Ballard. However, **deleting a post ≠ enacting policy**. Government blacklists require formal documentation, legal processes, or regulatory enforcement—none of which are cited here. The SEC’s separate $50 million settlement with Ripple (reduced from $125 million) pertains to ongoing litigation, not Trump’s influence, and does not equate to a “blacklist.”
2. Misleading Cause-and-Effect Narrative:
The narrative conflates Trump’s alleged irritation with a lobbyist’s actions to suggest retaliatory measures against XRP. This leap lacks logical scaffolding. Political figures frequently distance themselves from advisors without imposing sector-wide consequences. Ripple’s historical donations to Trump-aligned groups further undermine the idea of a “blacklist,” as repeated engagement suggests sustained, not severed, ties. Additionally, attorney Bill Morgan’s sarcastic tweet (“Yep, Trump is furious”) highlights the absurdity of linking the SEC’s legal compromise to Trump’s personal sentiments.
3. Crypto’s Political Theater vs. Regulatory Reality:
This incident underscores how crypto’s volatility thrives on speculation and political drama. While lobbyists undoubtedly shape policy, **no administration can unilaterally “blacklist” a decentralized asset** without legal groundwork. XRP’s market performance and regulatory standing remain detached from Trump’s social media activity. The focus on a hypothetical future scenario (2025) also reveals the speculative nature of the claim, designed to exploit anxiety over crypto’s political vulnerabilities rather than report actionable facts.
Verdict: False.
The claim that Trump “blacklisted” XRP is baseless fearmongering. Absent formal policy, legal action, or corroborated statements, this is a classic case of conflating personal drama with institutional authority. Investors should prioritize verifiable regulatory developments over politicized noise.
