- Ripple CTO David Schwartz defends XRP’s decentralization, rejecting claims that Ripple exerts too much control over XRPL.
- Despite speculation about XRP’s role in a U.S. crypto reserve, ongoing centralization concerns and market volatility keep XRP under pressure.
Ripple’s XRP is once again facing scrutiny as concerns over its centralization resurface. Despite its strong performance in recent months, skeptics continue to question whether it truly operates as a decentralized cryptocurrency. This debate ties into previous CNF coverage on Crypto 2025, where Ripple executives predicted a transformative year marked by significant momentum.
Ripple CTO Defends XRP’s Decentralization
The issue has become even more relevant amid speculation over XRP’s potential inclusion in a U.S. strategic crypto reserve. David Schwartz, Ripple’s Chief Technology Officer, has pushed back against claims that the XRP Ledger (XRPL) is vulnerable to manipulation. He addressed the controversy in a tweet, responding to renewed centralization concerns.
XRP Drama: Ripple CTO Fires Back at Centralization Claims
The decentralization of XRP is under the microscope again, with Ripple’s CTO David Schwartz dismantling claims from Bitcoin maxi Pierre Rochard.
Rochard accused Ripple of having the power to tweak XRPL code, unlock… pic.twitter.com/NdQKtRHGQB
— Mario Nawfal’s Roundtable (@RoundtableSpace) January 26, 2025
Schwartz argues that XRPL’s structure prevents price interference, dismissing accusations as attempts to undermine XRP’s success. His response comes as XRP struggles to hold onto its $3 valuation, with some attributing its recent price drop to renewed skepticism about its decentralization model.
Critics Call Out Centralization Concerns
Bitcoin maximalists, including Pierre Rochard, VP of Research at Riot Platforms, claim that Ripple retains too much control over XRPL. They argue that Ripple can alter ledger software, adjust escrow locks, or release more XRP into circulation, contrasting it with Bitcoin’s decentralized Proof-of-Work model.
The biggest obstacle for the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve is not the Fed, Treasury, banks, or Elizabeth Warren. It’s Ripple/XRP. They are aggressively lobbying against the SBR by throwing millions at politicians, desperately trying to derail it. They did the same to attack Bitcoin mining under the Biden administration. Obviously, they want to protect their marketing narratives and push for CBDCs built on their platform.
This criticism isn’t new—Ripple has faced centralization concerns for over a decade, with some in the crypto community dismissing it as a corporate-driven entity rather than a true blockchain innovation.
With XRP Current Price Performance Could It Join the U.S. Crypto Reserve?
Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse remains optimistic about XRP’s future, particularly in light of Donald Trump’s pro-crypto stance. He believes Trump’s push for American blockchain innovation could position XRP as a potential candidate for a U.S. strategic crypto reserve.
However, while XRP surged 600% in recent months, it recently fell 10% from its 7-year high of $3.30—largely in line with broader market corrections, which saw $1 billion wiped from crypto derivatives in a single day.
As of today, at the time of writing, Ripple (XRP) is trading at $3.06, declining by 2.69% in the past day and 3.65% in the past week. See the XRP price chart below.
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