In a now deleted X post, Omni Network co-founder Austin King advocated for including XRP in a potential U.S. crypto reserve, arguing that a reserve limited to Bitcoin would have narrower functionality. His argument focused on XRP’s transaction speed, low fees and potential use in payments and financial infrastructure.
King contrasted Bitcoin’s role as a scarce store-of-value asset with XRP’s design around fast settlement. He referenced a video by former Ripple CTO Stefan Thomas that compared XRP and Bitcoin transaction times and costs.
From proposal to a U.S. reserve
The debate changed materially after the White House established the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve in March 2025. The executive order designated forfeited government-held BTC for the reserve and directed Treasury and Commerce to develop budget-neutral ways to acquire additional Bitcoin.
The order also created a separate U.S. Digital Asset Stockpile for other digital assets obtained through forfeiture. It did not authorize new government purchases of assets such as XRP without further executive or legislative action.
That distinction matters because calls for XRP diversification have remained separate from the policy that actually established the reserve. Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse had similarly advocated for a better approach to digital assets.
Approaching $200,000,000,000 in market cap $XRP is one of the top assets being considered for the U.S. strategic crypto reserve.
However, most people are missing the real reason why it might be included.
Here’s what $XRP brings to the table that $BTC does not: pic.twitter.com/GlzQF8vQVi
— Austin King (@0xASK) January 28, 2025
XRP’s position has changed since the debate
XRP’s role in the U.S. market has nevertheless expanded since King’s comments. U.S.-listed XRP investment products are now operating, including the Bitwise XRP ETF, which began operations in November 2025 and holds XRP directly.
That market development does not mean XRP has been added to the federal Strategic Bitcoin Reserve. It does, however, give policymakers and investors more regulated vehicles through which to gain exposure to XRP.
King’s argument therefore remains a policy question rather than an established feature of the U.S. reserve. The federal framework currently separates Bitcoin’s reserve role from the broader stockpile for other digital assets, leaving any future decision on XRP subject to further government action.
Garlinghouse previously responded to accusations from Riot Platforms executive Pierre Rochard that Ripple was lobbying against a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve. Garlinghouse rejected that characterization and said Ripple’s position could support the creation of such a reserve.
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