Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse has expressed optimism about the future of cryptocurrency in the United States, forecasting a significant boom in the industry following Donald Trump’s presidential election victory. In an interview with Fox Business, Garlinghouse highlighted a potential shift toward more supportive regulation, contrasting it with years of restrictive oversight by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

A Crypto-Friendly Administration

“We finally have a crypto president,” Garlinghouse said, emphasizing Trump’s alignment with the industry. “Trump has embraced the crypto industry, and the industry has embraced him back. He sees the opportunities, innovation, and entrepreneurship that crypto represents.”

Garlinghouse believes Trump’s presidency could signal the end of what he called the SEC’s "manipulative pressure" on U.S.-based crypto companies. This new regulatory environment, he says, unlocks massive growth potential for the sector, exemplified by a remarkable $800 billion market unlock since the election.

XRP’s Explosive Performance

The Ripple CEO pointed to XRP’s dramatic rise as evidence of the market’s newfound strength. Since election day, XRP has surged over 70%, making it one of the best-performing assets. Garlinghouse attributed this growth to the easing of regulatory burdens on U.S. companies and technologies, which had previously stifled progress.

“The United States SEC has been manipulating and putting pressure on these U.S companies and technologies. Now that pressure is gone, and they are exploding upwards,” Garlinghouse explained.

Robinhood’s re-listing of XRP also reflects the changing environment, marking a pivotal moment for the token and signaling renewed confidence in the asset.

Fighting for Fair Regulation

Garlinghouse applauded a recent lawsuit by 18 Republican attorneys general against the SEC, which challenges the agency’s alleged regulatory overreach. “Welcome to the party,” he said, noting that Ripple has invested over $150 million in its own legal battles to ensure fair treatment for the crypto industry.

Ripple has long advocated for clear and consistent regulations instead of the SEC’s “regulation through enforcement” approach, which Garlinghouse says stifles innovation.

The Road Ahead

Looking forward, Garlinghouse foresees a vibrant future for crypto innovation in the U.S. He believes that the industry now has the chance to thrive, free from the constraints of excessive oversight.

“It’s a totally new day,” Garlinghouse concluded. “And I could not be happier.”