Trump’s Crypto Power Move Sparks XRP Surge—Is Ripple’s $7.18B Stash the Next Big Threat?
In a seismic shift for the crypto industry, US President Donald Trump ignited global markets with the announcement of a US Strategic Crypto Reserve, sending ripples (pun intended) across the financial world. The reserve, revealed in a late-night post on Truth Social, includes major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), XRP, Solana (SOL), and Cardano (ADA) . But the real shockwave came from Ripple’s XRP, which surged 30% to hit $2.93 per coin, with analysts scrambling to decode the implications of a $7.18 billion XRP treasure trove held by Ripple co-founder Chris Larsen .
The Trump Effect: Crypto’s New Era Begins
Trump’s declaration wasn’t just a policy announcement—it was a declaration of war on regulatory stagnation. The president vowed to make the US the “world’s crypto capital,” directly targeting the Biden administration’s perceived hostility toward digital assets . His plan? A Strategic Crypto Reserve designed to stabilize markets and elevate crypto’s role in the global economy. Bitcoin and Ethereum were hailed as the “heart” of the reserve, but Trump’s inclusion of XRP, SOL, and ADA sparked controversy and excitement .
XRP’s $7.18 Billion Bombshell: ZachXBT Sounds the Alarm
Enter ZachXBT, the crypto detective known for exposing hidden wallets and whale movements. In a viral thread, he revealed that Chris Larsen, Ripple’s co-founder, controls 2.7 billion XRP worth $7.18 billion across multiple addresses . These wallets, some dormant for 6-7 years, have suddenly come to life, with $109 million in XRP transferred to exchanges in January 2025 .
But here’s the twist: ZachXBT warned that Larsen might have lost access to these wallets or sold them in February 2013, raising questions about XRP’s supply dynamics . This revelation sent shockwaves through markets, with traders speculating about potential massive sell-offs or hidden wealth that could flood the market.
The Market’s Wild Ride: XRP Soars, Bitcoin Dominance Plunges
Trump’s announcement triggered a crypto frenzy. XRP skyrocketed 35%, reaching $3 before stabilizing, while Solana (SOL) and Cardano (ADA) saw gains of 24% and 72%, respectively . Bitcoin and Ethereum also rallied, with BTC hitting $94,000 and ETH surging 12.5% . However, Bitcoin’s dominance dropped from 55.4% to below 50%, signaling a shift toward altcoins .
The Ripple Effect: What’s Next for XRP and the Crypto Reserve?
Ripple’s legal battles with the SEC loom large. While XRP was cleared of being a security in some rulings, the legal saga continues, with the SEC appealing recent decisions . Trump’s inclusion of XRP in the Strategic Reserve could signal regulatory clarity, but skeptics warn of potential risks tied to Ripple’s massive holdings.
Conclusion: A New Dawn or a Crypto Bubble?
As markets digest Trump’s crypto gambit, one thing is clear: the game has changed. With XRP’s $7.18 billion stash in the spotlight and a Strategic Reserve poised to reshape crypto’s role in finance, investors are bracing for volatility. Will this be the catalyst for mass adoption, or a prelude to a regulatory crackdown? Only time will tell.
Stay Tuned: The Crypto Revolution Has Just Begun
P.S. Keep an eye on Larsen’s wallets—they might just hold the key to XRP’s future.
