XRP, Solana, and Cardano in Donald Trump’s Plan for US Crypto Reserve
Cardano Reserve
In a groundbreaking move, US President Donald Trump has unveiled details of a proposed U.S. Crypto Strategic Reserve, selecting XRP, Solana (SOL), and Cardano (ADA) as key assets. The announcement, made via his social media platform Truth Social, has sparked widespread debate within the cryptocurrency community, particularly due to the absence of Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH)—the two largest digital assets by market capitalization.
Trump framed the decision as a direct counter to what he described as regulatory hostility under the Biden administration. While his January executive order directed a working group to evaluate the feasibility of a crypto reserve, the president’s latest statement appears to solidify his vision of positioning the U.S. as a global leader in digital assets.
With this declaration, Trump is not just shaping financial policy but potentially redefining America’s role in the digital economy.
Trump’s Crypto Reserve Plan: Key Highlights
- XRP, Solana, and Cardano are designated as assets for the proposed U.S. Crypto Strategic Reserve.
- Bitcoin and Ethereum were conspicuously absent from Trump’s statement.
- The plan is intended to “elevate the industry” and counteract past regulatory pressure.
- The announcement follows Trump’s January executive order, which tasked a presidential working group with studying the feasibility of a strategic crypto reserve.
- The policy aligns with Trump’s broader goal of making the U.S. “the Crypto Capital of the World.”
While this plan does not officially establish a reserve, it is the clearest signal yet of Trump’s intent to institutionalize cryptocurrency at a national level.
Why Were Bitcoin and Ethereum Left Out?
Perhaps the most striking aspect of Trump’s announcement is the exclusion of Bitcoin and Ethereum. While no official reasoning has been provided, several factors could explain this decision:
- Regulatory Concerns: Bitcoin and Ethereum have been the focus of regulatory scrutiny, with debates over Ethereum’s classification as a security still unresolved.
- Decentralization vs. Control: Bitcoin operates as a decentralized asset with no central governance, potentially making it less attractive for a national reserve strategy compared to assets with identifiable development teams.
- Strategic Alliances: Trump’s selection of XRP, Solana, and Cardano suggests an interest in blockchain networks that offer high-speed transactions, smart contract capabilities, and institutional partnerships.
By omitting Bitcoin and Ethereum, Trump may be signaling a desire to favor blockchain networks with regulatory-friendly structures and faster transaction speeds.
XRP, Solana, and Cardano: Why These Assets?
Trump’s selection of XRP, Solana, and Cardano appears to be a deliberate choice aimed at promoting fast, scalable, and institutionally viable blockchain solutions.
- XRP – Known for its efficiency in cross-border payments, XRP has long been touted as a potential bridge currency for international transactions. Its ongoing legal battle with the SEC has made it a symbol of regulatory resistance, potentially aligning with Trump’s anti-Biden stance.
- Solana (SOL) – Recognized for high-speed transactions and a growing DeFi ecosystem, Solana is one of the fastest layer-1 blockchains and could serve institutional-grade applications.
- Cardano (ADA) – A blockchain with a strong academic and research-driven approach, Cardano is known for scalability and sustainability, making it an ideal candidate for government-backed digital infrastructure.
This selection suggests a focus on practical utility rather than ideological preference within the cryptocurrency space.
The Policy Shift: From Bitcoin Skepticism to Crypto Embrace
Trump’s stance on cryptocurrency has undergone a dramatic transformation:
- 2019: Trump labeled Bitcoin “a scam” and dismissed crypto as a tool for criminals.
- 2024 Campaign: He promised to streamline regulations and support a stablecoin framework, attracting support from the crypto industry.
- 2025 Presidency: His administration is now actively engaging in crypto policy discussions, seeking to establish a formal national reserve of digital assets.
This shift coincides with growing political influence from crypto industry leaders, who have lobbied aggressively for clearer regulations and contributed significant funding to political campaigns.
Senate and State-Level Efforts to Create Crypto Reserves
Trump’s proposal aligns with broader discussions in the U.S. legislature:
- Sen. Cynthia Lummis previously introduced a bill advocating for a Bitcoin strategic reserve—a move that received strong backing from pro-crypto lawmakers.
- State legislatures in the U.S. have proposed their own crypto reserve bills, though most efforts have not gained traction due to regulatory uncertainty.
If Trump’s administration advances the idea at the federal level, it could accelerate state-level initiatives and further embed cryptocurrency in the U.S. financial system.
Potential Market and Regulatory Impact
Trump’s announcement could have far-reaching consequences for both crypto markets and regulatory frameworks:
- Institutional Legitimacy: A U.S. strategic crypto reserve could validate digital assets as legitimate holdings for governments and financial institutions.
- Regulatory Clarity: The administration’s pro-crypto stance may encourage friendlier policies from agencies like the SEC and CFTC.
- Market Volatility: The exclusion of Bitcoin and Ethereum may trigger short-term market fluctuations as investors react to the new policy direction.
If fully implemented, this policy could reshape the U.S. cryptocurrency landscape, bringing it closer to mainstream adoption at a national level.
Conclusion: A Defining Moment for U.S. Crypto Policy?
Trump’s announcement of a U.S. Crypto Strategic Reserve featuring XRP, Solana, and Cardano marks a significant shift in the government’s approach to digital assets.
- The move signals a departure from previous administrations’ cautious stance.
- It excludes Bitcoin and Ethereum, favoring fast, scalable, and institutionally viable blockchains.
- The policy, if enacted, could accelerate institutional adoption and regulatory clarity in the U.S. crypto sector.
As the debate over the role of digital assets in national finance intensifies, the world will be watching how the U.S. implements this ambitious initiative.
About Author
