As the U.S. presidential elections approach, discontent is rising among XRP holders towards founder Chris Larsen. Larsen’s $10 million donation to Vice President Kamala Harris’s campaign has led to widespread calls for a boycott within the crypto community. Investors express concerns that this support threatens the future of the cryptocurrency industry beyond political preferences.
Larsen’s Support for Harris Divides the Community
By making this substantial donation, XRP founder Chris Larsen has provided a total of $11.8 million, surpassing his previous contribution of $1 million. However, this donation has sparked dissatisfaction within the community. Amid ongoing regulatory uncertainties in the crypto market, Harris’s stance on crypto regulations is alarming to XRP supporters.
Former President Donald Trump’s pro-crypto statements have further highlighted this divide. Notable investor Mike Alfred, critical of Larsen’s move, called for a boycott on Twitter, stating, “There are no excuses left to support XRP.”
Ripple $2 CEO Brad Garlinghouse responded to these reactions, emphasizing respect for everyone’s right to support what they believe in. He asserted the need to end the current administration’s misguided war against crypto, indicating that Ripple maintains relationships with both political parties.
Community Reactions and Impact on Price Performance
XRP has seen limited progress in price performance due to the ongoing SEC lawsuit. After peaking at $3.84, it currently trades around $0.52. Experts predict XRP could exceed $5 independent of political events, but Larsen’s donation may negatively impact its price, as investors believe individual decisions like political support affect the company’s overall image and token value.
This division and calls for boycott among the community have led to a loss of trust among XRP holders. However, Ripple’s declaration of maintaining a politically neutral stance is viewed as a step toward stabilizing the crypto market. Despite this, Larsen’s actions increase uncertainty about XRP’s future, and it seems unlikely that divisions within the community will resolve soon.