Ripple's Strategic Political Engagement: Ripple Co-founder Donates $10 Million in XRP to Kamala Harris

By: Eva Baxter

As the United States moves toward its next presidential election, Ripple has emerged as a key player in the political arena, advocating for blockchain and cryptocurrency-friendly policies. Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse has publicly emphasized the company’s commitment to a bipartisan approach, focusing support on politicians from both major parties who advance innovation within the cryptocurrency and blockchain sectors. This announcement comes as Ripple celebrates a significant donation by co-founder Chris Larsen to the campaign of Vice President Kamala Harris.

Garlinghouse reaffirmed this approach in a recent post on X, noting how crucial it is for political candidates to acknowledge the growing significance of digital assets. He underscored that these issues are no longer niche but are substantially influential in shaping voter decisions. According to Garlinghouse, dismissive attitudes towards crypto can cost political figures much-needed support from an informed voter base whose interests include policies that drive innovation and job creation.

Amidst this, Chris Larsen contributed a notable $10 million in XRP to Vice President Kamala Harris's presidential campaign. This move is aligned with Ripple’s ongoing strategies to back candidates with forward-thinking perspectives on technology and innovation, particularly in relation to cryptocurrency. The substantial donation reflects Larsen’s belief in Harris’s capability to position America at the forefront of global technological advancement. This notable contribution follows previous donations by Larsen, including a $1 million XRP contribution to Future Forward PAC, an influencer in the Democratic sphere.

While Larsen’s donation signifies substantial support, it has also sparked conversation and some critical voices within the crypto community, which tends to lean towards Republican candidates. Despite this, Ripple continues to demonstrate its dedication to ensuring broad support for candidates who foster a regulatory environment conducive to blockchain and cryptocurrency advancements. With Ripple's financial contributions to pro-crypto SuperPACs totaling nearly $50 million in the past year, the firm appears to be deeply invested in shaping the political dynamics surrounding cryptocurrency policy in the United States.