Bradley Kent Garlinghouse changes strategy: XRP and Bitcoin are not enemies

A surprising gesture marked a turning point in the historic tensions between the Ripple and Bitcoin communities. During the XRP Las Vegas 2025 conference, Ripple Labs CEO Bradley Kent Garlinghouse surprised many by stating that “Bitcoin is not the enemy.” For years, Ripple’s leader had sharply criticized the flaws of the Bitcoin network, from energy consumption to proof-of-work mining models. Now, this change in tone raises questions: is it a genuine search for unity within the crypto sector, or a tactical move to build alliances in the face of regulatory pressure?

The symbolic gift: when diplomacy meets skepticism

A few days before the conference began, Bradley Kent Garlinghouse presented the Satoshi Skull to the Bitcoin community, a gesture that generated mixed reactions. XRP supporters interpreted the move as a sign of maturity: Ripple is abandoning past disputes and positioning itself as a unifier of the ecosystem. However, others saw weakness in the choice, as if Ripple was admitting Bitcoin’s superiority after a decade-long battle.

Among Bitcoin maximalists, the gift fueled opposing narratives. Some welcomed it as recognition of Bitcoin’s supremacy. Others commented ironically, with one user writing: “Ripple has tried to replace Bitcoin for 10 years. Now it offers us skulls as if we were in ancient Rome.” Another viral tweet read: “When you lose the war, at least bring a gift.”

Within the XRP community, consensus was instead fragmented. Loyalists saw the gesture as a strategic move toward greater credibility, while critics feared Ripple was abandoning its distinctive identity.

Decade of conflict: opposing technology, vision, and ideologies

The rift between Ripple and Bitcoin supporters dates back over ten years of fundamental disagreement about what makes a cryptocurrency valid. The XRP community has historically maintained that Bitcoin remains inefficient: proof-of-work consumes enormous amounts of energy, the network processes fewer transactions per second than XRP, and the system is unsuitable for real financial applications.

Bradley Kent Garlinghouse had never spared criticism of the mining model, describing the Bitcoin system as outdated and environmentally harmful. From Ripple’s side, the narrative was clear: XRP offers speed, scalability, and energy efficiency—essential features for building decentralized yet functional financial infrastructure.

The Bitcoin camp has maintained an equally firm stance. Maximalists accuse XRP of centralization, controlled by Ripple Labs and structured to serve banking institutions rather than empower individuals. XRP is called “the banker’s coin,” a contradiction to the original principles of cryptocurrencies: eliminating intermediaries, not collaborating with them. The twenty-year-long litigation with the SEC is cited as further proof that XRP lacks the fundamentals of a truly decentralized asset.

A calculated strategy in times of regulatory scrutiny

Garlinghouse’s shift in narrative does not come out of nowhere. With governments and financial regulators intensifying control over digital assets, building cross-community alliances becomes strategic. Ripple may be preparing for future discussions with financial institutions and government agencies that require signs of stability, professionalism, and sector cohesion.

However, this strategy carries significant risks. Critics argue that Garlinghouse might extend a hand that Bitcoin will not accept, turning the gesture into a sign of weakness rather than strength. The greatest risk, however, lies within Ripple itself.

For years, the Ripple brand has built its uniqueness around positioning XRP as a superior alternative to Bitcoin: more efficient, more scalable, at lower costs. Loyal XRP supporters have always opposed those who considered Bitcoin’s fundamental flaws. Now, Bradley Kent Garlinghouse’s new message blurs the lines between rival and partner.

An increasing number of XRP fans perceive that the company is gradually moving away from the principles that made it unique. Those who once believed XRP would surpass or replace Bitcoin now wonder if the goals have changed. There is a real risk that Ripple will lose its core loyal supporters in an attempt to appeal to both sides, diluting the message and confusing the base.

What’s next?

Bradley Kent Garlinghouse’s speech marks a turning point in the sector’s narrative. If the goal is genuinely to unite the crypto ecosystem in the face of strict regulations, this move represents bold vision. If instead it is political calculation, it could prove to be a strategic mistake that displeases both Bitcoin maximalists and core XRP supporters, leaving Ripple suspended between two worlds without fully belonging to either.