Emily Walker
This past weekend, a dispute arose between the Bitcoin and XRP communities, sparked by former President Donald Trump’s recent announcement regarding a “Digital Asset Stockpile” as part of his administration’s latest cryptocurrency executive order. While many anticipated a focus on a “Bitcoin Strategic Reserve,” the more inclusive terminology ignited discussions about whether other digital currencies, particularly XRP, might be part of the United States’ digital asset reserves.
Jason P. Lowery, a Space Force officer and noted astronautical engineer with a notable MIT thesis that connects Bitcoin’s Proof-of-Work method to national security, has raised questions about the Trump administration’s potential inclusion of cryptocurrencies beyond Bitcoin in this new “digital asset stockpile.”
Bitcoin’s Favor Over XRP
In a recent post on X, Lowery expressed doubt about whether nations in the BRICS group (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) would willingly adopt a cryptocurrency perceived to be under US control. While not directly mentioning XRP, his comments about a “meme coin” or one “controlled by an American CEO” can be interpreted as indirectly referring to XRP or cryptocurrencies affiliated with US firms.
He questioned, “Do you think BRICS is interested in incorporating a meme coin or one governed by an American CEO? Would they opt for a USD stablecoin issued by an American business trying to resemble a new Federal Reserve Bank?”
Furthermore, he suggested that they are likely more inclined to select a cryptocurrency that has endured criticism from the US for over 15 years, particularly one that operates independently from US influence; one that ensures sovereign access to blockchain space, which means transactions cannot be blocked or denied, as long as they maintain the necessary infrastructure and resources.
Lowery’s insights highlight a strategic view of Bitcoin’s appeal to nations outside the US’s sphere, primarily due to its decentralized, censorship-resistant characteristics, which according to him, position Bitcoin favorably on the global geopolitical landscape.
His concerns extend beyond the technical aspects of cryptocurrencies, focusing instead on geopolitical implications. He argues that the choice of the next “global reserve asset” hinges on what other nations, particularly rivals like China and Russia, wish to hold. He elaborated:
“The next global reserve asset will be determined by other countries, especially our competitors. BRICS is likely to prefer assets that provide the most separation from US influence—those that are demonstrably censorship-resistant, truly decentralized, and sovereign. The ones that weren’t premined and aren’t promoted by American influencers.”
Lowery warns the US crypto community that simply valuing a digital asset domestically is not sufficient if opposing nations lack motivation to adopt it. He stresses the necessity of evaluating the likelihood that foreign governments would consider integrating a specific digital asset into their state reserves, cautioning that endorsing any cryptocurrency, particularly ones closely tied to US interests, might be pointless and even detrimental to the country’s future security and prosperity.
As of now, the Trump administration has not specified whether any cryptocurrency other than Bitcoin will be included in the “Digital Asset Stockpile.” However, supporters of Ripple remain optimistic, believing that clearer regulations concerning XRP and its ongoing collaborations with financial institutions could potentially elevate its status as a recognized strategic asset.
Nonetheless, Lowery warns that global dynamics, especially actions by BRICS, might overshadow any positivity felt domestically. Should BRICS nations and others conclude that Bitcoin’s decentralized nature and its resistance to censorship provide a significant geopolitical edge, they might collectively choose to adopt it widely. He asserts that if such a preference develops, it would compel the US to increase its own crypto holdings or face a strategic shortfall:
“If you can’t firmly assert that nations like China or Russia will significantly add your favored crypto asset to their reserves, then you’re not being genuine—and you’re harming the future safety and success of this nation.”
Currently, Bitcoin is trading at $99,293.