A recent post by USA Today has set off a firestorm in the crypto world. On August 2, USA Today shared an article with its 5.1 million X (formerly Twitter) followers, declaring that “$XRP is the smartest cryptocurrency to buy for $500 right now.” The article, originally published by Will Ebiefung from The Motley Fool, quickly went viral—but not for the reasons one might expect.
The post received heavy backlash from Bitcoin supporters and crypto skeptics who were quick to slam the headline as “fake news” and “misleading.” One user mocked, “The smartest way to waste $500,” while another simply posted memes to express disbelief. Critics accused the article of offering unlicensed financial advice without proper warnings or research.
Popular crypto journalist Laura Shin also stepped in. She pointed out that Ripple, the company behind XRP, has had limited success in 13 years. Her comment, “USA Today, you need journalists who understand crypto,” gained support across the platform.
Others criticized the article’s author, Ebiefung, reminding readers that he previously promoted the SAND token in 2022—just before it dropped from $4 to $0.25. This added more doubt about the credibility of his latest XRP endorsement.
Despite the uproar, many XRP fans stood their ground. Some enjoyed the controversy, saying it only proves XRP’s ability to stir debate. “Let the games begin,” one wrote. Others thanked USA Today for highlighting the token, claiming it shows XRP still matters.
However, critics did not back down. Some labeled XRP a “scam,” while others warned people not to trust media platforms pushing strong investment opinions without facts.
The heated reactions highlight how divided the crypto world remains. While XRP supporters cheer the recognition, skeptics call it clickbait and dangerous advice. This clash shows the growing tension between mainstream media, crypto influencers, and investors—who all see the future of digital assets very differently.
