XRP Under Fire: Leaders Call for Boycott Over Larsens $11.8M Harris Donation
- Ripple chairman Chris Larsen donates $11.8M total to Kamala Harris campaign.
- Prominent crypto figures call for XRP boycott, claiming misalignment with crypto values.
- Ripple CEO defends right to individual political contributions while maintaining companys bipartisan stance.
The cryptocurrency community finds itself embroiled in controversy following Ripple chairman Chris Larsens substantial political contributions to Vice President Kamala Harriss presidential campaign.
Larsens recent $10 million XRP donation, following a previous $1 million contribution, brings his total support to $11.8 million, sparking intense debate within the crypto sphere.
Notable figures in the cryptocurrency space have voiced strong opposition to these political contributions. Mike Alfred, a respected value crypto investor and board director, has taken a particularly firm stance, arguing that investors have no justification for holding XRP given the chairmans political allegiances.
XRP community outraged
This sentiment has been echoed by X user Layah Heilpern, who accused XRPs leadership of dumping on their community to support what she characterizes as Marxist politicians.
The controversy has extended beyond individual critics, with Messari founder Ryan Selkis going so far as to declare XRP dead in light of these political developments.
These reactions highlight the growing tension between cryptocurrencys traditionally anti-establishment ethos and increasing engagement with mainstream political institutions.
Larsens support for Harriss campaign began modestly with a $6,600 donation earlier this year, setting a precedent for subsequent larger contributions.
This pattern of support aligns with other major donors to Harriss campaign, including Facebook co-founder Dustin Moskovitz and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, who have contributed $10 million and $5 million respectively.
Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse has stepped into the controversy, defending individual rights to political expression while emphasizing Ripples organizational commitment to bipartisan engagement.
He stressed that the companys focus remains on advocating for pro-crypto policies across party lines, particularly in the context of current regulatory challenges.
Text source: TheNewsCrypto – Blockchain & Cryptocurrency News M
