Surprising Dinner with Donald Trump
In a move that caught many by surprise, Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse posted a picture with former President Donald Trump, revealing that they had shared a dinner. This unexpected meeting has generated considerable excitement, especially in light of the ongoing legal battle between Ripple and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
Key Developments on the Horizon
The coming weeks are poised to be crucial for Ripple. With the January 15 deadline looming, coinciding with political changes such as Trump’s inauguration and the anticipated resignation of SEC Chairman Gary Gensler, industry watchers are keen to understand how these developments might influence Ripple’s trajectory.
Legal Insights from John Deaton
Pro-XRP attorney John Deaton has taken to social media to discuss the remarkable resurgence of Ripple and its CEO, Brad Garlinghouse, over the past two years. Deaton emphasized the pivotal roles played by Garlinghouse and Ripple’s General Counsel, Stuart Alderoty, in driving the industry forward despite significant challenges.
SEC Lawsuit: A Battle of Ethics
Deaton has been vocal about what he perceives as the unfair treatment of Ripple by the SEC, which included personal lawsuits against Garlinghouse, despite the absence of fraud allegations. He criticized the SEC’s aggressive tactics, which involved pressuring Ripple’s partners and customers internationally. Even with Ripple providing comprehensive transaction records, the SEC demanded access to Garlinghouse’s personal financial information, including credit card statements.
Deaton remarked, “Not only was Ripple unfairly sued, Garlinghouse was individually sued (in a non-fraud case). Anyone familiar with the Ripple litigation, and I am, knows the SEC played dirty, pushing ethical limits.”
Garlinghouse’s Resilience and Ripple’s Future
Garlinghouse’s steadfast resistance to the SEC’s tactics, supported by Ripple’s legal team, culminated in a significant victory for the company. Deaton concluded by reflecting on the transformative changes over the past two years and expressed optimism for Ripple and the broader cryptocurrency sector, especially as a new administration assumes office.
