XRP Mention in Trump Post Triggers Lobbyist Fallout

The cryptocurrency world saw Ripple’s XRP thrust into the political spotlight this past March, becoming a point of contention after a high-profile post by President Donald Trump on Truth Social. The post, which mentioned XRP in the context of a new ‘Crypto Strategic Reserve,’ made waves across Washington D.C. just as quickly as it stirred controversy behind the scenes.

The XRP Post and Its Political Backlash

The idea for Trump’s pro-crypto statement reportedly originated from a staffer at a prominent lobbying firm, Ballard Partners. She allegedly approached the President during a weekend fundraiser at Mar-a-Lago, encouraging him to show public support for the digital asset sector. Her suggested wording included a passing reference to XRP, Ripple’s native token—a detail that would soon become problematic.

What Trump didn’t initially realize was that Ripple was a client of Ballard’s firm. This undisclosed connection sparked concern once brought to the President’s attention. Multiple sources have since revealed that Trump became visibly frustrated upon learning the full context. According to several individuals within the administration, Trump privately expressed his dissatisfaction, stating that Ballard was no longer welcome in presidential circles and instructing staff to avoid interactions with him moving forward.

This quiet distancing effort effectively shut down Ballard’s access to the West Wing, which had once been a significant advantage for the veteran lobbyist. While no official announcement was made, internal communications directed White House staff to sidestep engagements involving Ballard or his firm.

Ripple Connection Draws Scrutiny

The controversy surrounding XRP’s inclusion in Trump’s Truth Social post intensified scrutiny on both the lobbying firm and Ripple itself. Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse had previously advocated for XRP to be part of a national digital asset reserve—something that aligned closely with the language used in the President’s post. While it’s unclear whether the mention in Trump’s post had any approval from higher-ups at Ripple, its strategic implications stirred reaction in both political and crypto communities.

This political misstep also placed Ballard’s operations under a microscope. Despite the turbulence, Ballard Partners continues to be a dominant force in D.C. lobbying circles. The firm secured 130 new clients in early 2025, generating $14 million in revenue over just three months—tripling its earnings from the same timeframe the previous year.

Yet, this growth hasn’t shielded the firm from criticism. Several individuals close to the President have voiced concerns that Ballard leverages his perceived relationship with Trump to attract more clientele. They allege he exaggerates his ties to the administration, creating a misleading image of influence.

“One way to get yourself in the doghouse is for the President to think you are trading on his name,” remarked a person close to the Trump camp, emphasizing that such actions damage trust and credibility.

Ballard Pushes Back

Ballard, now 65, has strongly denied all allegations suggesting he misled the President or others. In an official statement, he claimed he has never exploited personal connections to secure business, stating his lobbying success comes from professional merit, not name-dropping.

As for the XRP-related incident, Ballard maintains that his team had no intention of manipulating Trump into promoting Ripple or any client interest. Nevertheless, the fallout appears to be creating challenges. Some of his existing clients are reportedly exploring new avenues to access the White House, wary of any lingering reputational risks tied to the scandal.

Before this controversy, Ballard’s reputation was mostly on the rise. Since launching his Washington office in 2017, he quickly rose through the ranks to become a key player in Republican political fundraising. He had longstanding ties to Trump, even representing the Trump Organization at one point. His firm also provided jobs to notable Trump confidants, including Susie Wiles and Pam Bondi.

Related: Expert Advice: Sell XRP If You’re Confused

Now, however, the XRP post episode serves as a cautionary tale about the delicate balance between politics and the rapidly evolving digital asset space. As Ripple and XRP gain traction in discussions about national financial infrastructure, any mention—intentional or not—can ignite both support and skepticism from high places.