The Bitcoin community is voicing its frustration with Ripple. They’re not happy about Ripple's push for a diversified crypto reserve. Many feel that Ripple is putting its own interests first.

Ripple is advocating for a U.S. multi-coin strategic reserve instead of focusing solely on Bitcoin. This has sparked a heated debate in the crypto world. Some Bitcoin supporters even call Ripple the “biggest obstacle” to a U.S. Strategic Bitcoin Reserve.

On January 16, The New York Post reported that former President Trump was open to the idea of a strategic reserve. This reserve could include U.S.-based tokens like USD Coin (USDC), Solana (SOL), and XRP. Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse supports this idea, which has led to more discussions in the community.

Many believe that only Bitcoin (BTC) should be on the U.S. government's balance sheet. They argue that adding other coins dilutes the value of the reserve.

Pierre Rochard, head of research at Riot Platforms, took to X on January 23. He called Ripple the “biggest obstacle for the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve.” He criticized Ripple for its political lobbying and involvement in central bank digital currencies (CBDCs).

In response, Garlinghouse confirmed his support for a diversified crypto reserve. He stated, “Our efforts are actually increasing the likelihood of a crypto strategic reserve — which includes Bitcoin — happening.”

The debate continued, with Bitcoin advocates like Wayne Vaughan voicing their opinions. He tweeted that “the US needs a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, not a Strategic Crypto Reserve.” He emphasized that Ripple, Ethereum, and Solana shouldn’t be on the U.S. government's balance sheet. Including them could lead to political fallout for the Trump Administration.

Bitvolt CEO Nico Moran echoed these sentiments. He claimed that Ripple is “deliberately working against the US Bitcoin Strategic Reserve initiative.” He accused them of prioritizing their interests over the American people's well-being.

Messari CEO Ryan Selkis also criticized Ripple. He pointed out the company’s political ties and its push for XRP to be considered a legitimate asset. He remarked, “I didn’t donate $12 million to Kamala or cost the GOP three additional Senate seats like Ripple did.” He added, “But I’m still gonna try to help President Trump and their team understand why XRP is the poster child for why we shouldn’t have a national crypto reserve. Bitcoin Reserve or nothing.”

Independent journalist Efrat Fenigson joined the criticism. She referred to a “love story” between Ripple and CBDCs. She noted that Ripple’s lobbying against Bitcoin reserves shows its support for centralized money over Bitcoin’s freedom.

This conversation gained traction as Trump signed an executive order on January 23. The order banned CBDC development in the U.S. and initiated the creation of a national digital asset stockpile.