- Ripple donated $5 million worth of XRP to the Trump-Vance inaugural committee, marking the largest crypto donation in history.
- Ripple’s contribution highlights the growing involvement of the crypto industry in political fundraising alongside Coinbase, Kraken, and others.
- Trump has made pro-crypto moves, including key appointments like the SEC Chair, fueling optimism in the crypto community.
- Major donors, including Ripple, receive VIP tickets to exclusive inauguration events.
The intersection of cryptocurrency and politics has reached an all-time high, considering that the leading blockchain firm Ripple has pledged $5 million worth of XRP to the Trump-Vance inaugural committee. According to a statement by FOX Business, this organization is responsible for funding a series of festivities marking Donald Trump’s return to the presidency and J.D. Vance’s assumption of vice presidency following their victory at last month’s election.
The three-day inaugural festivities of parades, dinners, and galas are scheduled around Trump’s swearing-in ceremony on January 20, 2025. Ripple’s contribution underlined the crypto sector’s fast-growing role in political fundraising, with other big players emulating it. Two of the biggest U.S. crypto exchanges, Coinbase and Kraken, each gave $1 million to the committee
While companies like MoonPay and Robinhood have also pledged their support, they have yet to disclose specific figures. These large donations mean crypto contributions account for a fraction of the $200 million already raised by the committee, a figure expected to grow to $225 million before inauguration day.
Ripple, Coinbase, and a16z Fuel $103M for 2026 Midterms
“Ripple Sets Record With Largest-Ever Donation To Trump. Ripple has just donated $5M in XRP in furtherance of Trump’s $200M inauguration stash. This is the largest crypto donation to any individual in history. Crypto is not an alternative investment channel; we are witnessing how this is reshaping politics before our very eyes,” Mario Nawfal wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.
However, the donations do come with a few nice perks for the crypto leaders. Those donating $1 million or raising $2 million will receive six tickets to VIP events over the inauguration weekend.
Ripple’s $300K Donation Shaping Crypto’s Future Under Trump
Ripple has been at the forefront of the crypto industry’s political push. Most notably, Stuart Alderoty, Ripple’s Chief Legal Officer, personally donated 624,000 XRP to a Super PAC supporting Trump. This would be in tandem with Trump’s campaign promise that his presidency will ease regulatory pressures on the crypto sector, directly opposite of President Biden’s tough approach to the crypto market.
Since his reelection, Trump has taken concrete actions toward making good on his promise to be pro-crypto. He has made crucial appointments, such as Paul Atkins, Chair of the SEC, and David Sacks, the first White House AI & Crypto Czar. Moves like that have triggered optimistic reactions within the crypto community about what the future of the industry will look like under Trump.
With billions of dollars at stake, it would appear that the crypto industry’s engagement in politics could be about to redefine its relationship with regulators. With Trump’s administration coming into office, the sector’s investments in politics could finally pay dividends that will make 2025 a very important year for blockchain and digital assets
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