Cardano founder Charles Hoskinson has praised XRP, calling it a stronger “Web2.5” product than leading stablecoin issuers Tether and Circle. The remarks mark a notable shift after years of friction between Hoskinson and sections of the XRP community.
Speaking on the role of open systems in crypto, Hoskinson said XRP stands out because developers can build on the XRP Ledger without needing permission from Ripple.
JUST IN: #Cardano $ADA Founder Charles Hoskinson says “I think $XRP as a Web2.5 product is better than Tether or Circle. I like it a lot more.” pic.twitter.com/IAA2iedc5t
— Angry Crypto Show (@angrycryptoshow) May 26, 2026
XRP gains support in open protocol debate
Hoskinson said XRP aligns more closely with open standards and decentralized access models. According to him, XRP Ledger allows developers and users to participate freely without relying on approvals from a central company.
His comments placed XRP in contrast with major stablecoin issuers such as Tether and Circle, whose systems operate through company-managed reserves and compliance frameworks.
The comparison comes as stablecoins continue to expand across the digital finance landscape. Fiat-backed stablecoin supply exceeded $319 billion in April 2026, while adjusted stablecoin transaction volume reached $10.9 trillion in 2025, highlighting their growing role in crypto payments.
The discussion also arrives as U.S. lawmakers continue debates around stablecoin regulation, with industry groups and banks divided over proposed rules tied to the CLARITY Act.
Past XRP disputes add weight to remarks
Hoskinson’s support for XRP is notable given his long-running disagreements with parts of the XRP community.
Some XRP supporters previously linked him to the “ETHgate” theory, which alleged Hoskinson has repeatedly denied any involvement, stressing that he left Ethereum in 2014.
He also clashed publicly with Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse earlier this year over crypto market structure legislation.
Cardano founder Charles Hoskinson slams Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse for his support for the current draft bill of the crypto market structure legislation (CLARITY Act). pic.twitter.com/rNJIRlHcn4
— Altcoin Daily (@AltcoinDaily) January 19, 2026
Cardano governance debate forms backdrop
The XRP comments also come as Cardano faces governance discussions of its own. Hoskinson recently launched a review covering more than 11,000 DAOs to study governance structures, leadership models, and decision-making systems.
The move followed a Cardano treasury dispute after most active stakeholders opposed a proposal seeking 32.9 million ADA in funding for Input Output Global’s research unit, adding fresh attention to governance and decentralization debates within the network.
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