Ripple’s XRP donation has emerged as the second most significant contribution to Donald Trump’s inauguration fund, solidifying the cryptocurrency company’s influential role in political fundraising. The latest filings from the Federal Election Commission (FEC) shed new light on how the crypto industry, led by Ripple, played a major financial role in supporting the celebration marking Trump’s return to the Oval Office as the 47th President of the United States.
According to FEC documents, Trump’s transition team amassed a historic total of $245 million in donations. This amount, collected from a diverse group of supporters, marked the largest ever for a U.S. presidential inauguration. Notably, $6.23 million of this total was returned for unspecified reasons, leaving around $239 million for the final tally.
Among the top donors, Ripple stood out with a $4.9 million contribution, the second-largest single donation overall. The only company to outpace Ripple was Pilgrim, which contributed $5 million. Ripple’s donation was made directly using XRP tokens, highlighting not only its financial backing but also advancing digital asset adoption in political spaces.
Crypto Industry Backs Trump’s Inauguration in Force
In total, the cryptocurrency industry injected approximately $18 million into Trump’s inauguration fund. This marks a substantial show of solidarity from the crypto sector, surpassing its involvement in previous political cycles. Ripple led the pack with nearly $4.9 million, followed closely by Robinhood, which contributed $2 million.
Put into perspective, Trump’s 2025 inauguration fundraising shattered records. The $239 million raised more than doubled the $107 million gathered in 2017 for his first inauguration. It also dwarfed the Biden administration’s relatively modest $61 million in 2021. This evolution reflects growing support from industries like crypto, which seek more favorable federal treatment through political alignment.
As previously reported, Ripple’s donation helped finance the multi-day inauguration festivities. This included various events held in honor of Trump’s return to the presidency. Furthermore, individuals from Ripple also made personal contributions aimed at shaping the 2024 presidential race. Chris Larsen, Ripple’s Chairman, for example, donated at least $1 million in XRP to back Kamala Harris—despite her eventual loss. Meanwhile, Chief Legal Officer Stuart Alderoty personally contributed over $500,000 in XRP to Trump’s campaign.
Other Noteworthy Crypto Donors
Ripple wasn’t the only crypto firm throwing its weight behind Trump’s inauguration. A number of blockchain-focused companies stepped up with seven-figure support. Apart from Robinhood’s $2 million donation, Circle (issuer of the USDC stablecoin), Coinbase, Galaxy Digital, Paradigm, Solana Labs, and Ondo Finance each donated $1 million.
The show of financial force was a coordinated response to what many crypto leaders saw as antagonism under the Biden administration. Regulatory uncertainty and perceived hostility prompted the industry to rally behind Trump, who had pledged to establish a pro-crypto regulatory landscape once back in office.
Policy Actions Align with Crypto Expectations
With his re-election secured, President Trump has begun to fulfill his campaign pledges to the digital asset community. One of his first major steps was appointing Paul Atkins, a known crypto ally, as chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Atkins assumed office earlier this week, signaling a shift in regulatory strategy.
Since Atkins’ appointment, the SEC has moved to lift or pause litigation against key cryptocurrency firms. This includes Coinbase, Robinhood, and Gemini. Notably, Ripple’s own long-standing legal challenges are now in a state of suspension as both parties consider a potential settlement, which may significantly impact how XRP is treated under securities laws going forward.
The crypto sector’s support of Trump’s 2025 inauguration showcases its growing political involvement aimed at ensuring a regulatory framework that fosters innovation. Ripple’s major XRP contribution—and the broader industry’s financial backing—highlight the sector’s strategic commitment to reshaping U.S. crypto policy over the next four years.
