
XRP: Controversy and Market Momentum
XRP, the cryptocurrency developed by Ripple, has once again become the center of a heated discussion in the crypto community. A recent viral post by Riccardo Spagni, the former lead developer of Monero, has reignited debate. In his post, Spagni mentioned a friend who was previously skeptical of crypto but is now convinced banks will disappear within two years—and decided to invest in XRP. This bold assertion has polarized opinions, sparking what many are dubbing a ‘new crypto culture war.’
Ripple’s Recent Milestones
Ripple has had a string of favorable developments recently. One of the most notable was the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) dropping its high-profile lawsuit against Ripple. Additionally, former President Donald Trump unexpectedly named XRP as a potential asset in the U.S. digital currency reserves. These events, coupled with Ripple’s efforts to position XRP as a global bridge currency, have fueled investor enthusiasm.
From a market perspective, XRP has had a rollercoaster performance. Its value surged from under $1 in late 2024 to over $3.60 by mid-2025 before correcting and stabilizing at lower levels. Despite occasional volatility, XRP remains a favorite among cryptocurrency enthusiasts and traders.
Supporters vs. Critics: The Ongoing Debate
While many in the XRP community welcomed Spagni’s revelations, not everyone shared the optimism. Critics labeled the idea of XRP replacing banks as overly ambitious and contrary to blockchain’s core principles of decentralization. One particularly vocal critic argued that Ripple’s centralized control of XRP poses a ‘single point of failure,’ making it unsuitable as a replacement for traditional banking systems.
Adding to the skepticism, on-chain analyst Ali Martinez warned that XRP had recently slipped below its critical $3 support level. According to Martinez, continued bearish pressure could force the token to retrace to $2.60 or even $2. Despite these warnings, optimistic forecasts remain. Some analysts believe the token could reach $4 by year-end, driven by Ripple’s strategic moves and increasing adoption.
Ripple’s Marketing Strategy: Strength or Manipulation?
Ripple’s marketing efforts have undeniably kept XRP in the limelight. With significant social media engagement, XRP continues to attract new investors to its ecosystem. Even skeptical observers admit that Ripple’s promotional campaigns are effective, though some allege they border on ‘misinformation’ by overhyping XRP’s potential role in banking and as a global currency bridge.
For example, one critic on social media claimed Ripple actively funds narratives that inflate the token’s value artificially. Such claims have yet to be substantiated, but they contribute to the skepticism surrounding XRP’s long-term prospects.
Investing in XRP: A Calculated Risk?
For new investors, XRP’s controversial reputation is often outweighed by its potential. Recent developments make it an appealing choice for those who believe in its long-term adoption. However, potential buyers should stay informed and monitor market conditions. Tools like Ledger Nano X are excellent for securely storing XRP and other cryptocurrencies, ensuring your investments remain protected.
Despite heated debates and market volatility, XRP continues to be a cryptocurrency to watch. As Ripple pushes its mission to make XRP the global bridge currency, the token’s fate will largely depend on how well the company can navigate challenges and sustain momentum.