Ripple Donates 1.7M XRP Tokens to Kamala Harris as Trump Leads Crypto Betting Polls: Could XRP Price See Movement?

On October 13, Ripple’s XRP opened trading at $0.54, maintaining a steady position over the past ten days, despite significant rallies in the broader cryptocurrency market. While many major cryptocurrencies have seen substantial gains recently, XRP’s price has struggled to keep pace, possibly reflecting market uncertainty as Ripple continues its appeal against the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

In a surprising development, Ripple co-founder Chris Larsen made a substantial political donation to U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, contributing $1 million worth of XRP to support her presidential campaign. This move has raised eyebrows across both the crypto and political landscapes, as it aligns with ongoing discussions around regulatory clarity and political influence on digital assets in the U.S.

The political landscape is also heating up within crypto circles, with a recent surge in crypto betting polls showing former President Donald Trump holding a significant lead. According to the latest data, Trump has garnered around 54% of the crypto community’s support, compared to Harris’s 45.1%. The stark contrast in these poll numbers suggests that Trump’s stance on cryptocurrency and financial markets may resonate more with the digital asset community, particularly as regulatory pressures continue to weigh heavily on the market.

XRP Price Analysis: Sideways Trading Amid Broader Market Gains

Since early October, XRP has been trading flat around $0.54, reflecting a lack of momentum compared to other major cryptocurrencies. Bitcoin and Ethereum, for example, have surged in recent weeks as investors grow optimistic about upcoming regulatory decisions and global adoption trends. XRP’s stagnant performance, however, raises questions about investor sentiment and market dynamics in the face of Ripple’s legal challenges.

While Larsen’s $1 million donation to Kamala Harris’s campaign highlights a potential alignment between Ripple and regulatory advocacy, the impact on XRP’s price remains uncertain. Historically, political events can sway investor confidence, particularly if they suggest future regulatory stances that could either benefit or harm cryptocurrency markets.

The cryptocurrency market has often reacted to significant donations and endorsements, particularly when they involve key figures in the blockchain and digital currency space. However, with Trump currently leading in crypto betting polls, the market may be anticipating a political landscape that could be more favorable to decentralized finance and less supportive of regulatory crackdowns.

Will XRP’s Price React to the Political Landscape?

Although Ripple’s donation may not immediately impact XRP’s price, it could contribute to a broader discussion about the role of politics in shaping the future of digital assets. If Harris’s campaign gains traction with the help of Ripple’s backing, it might signal to investors that the company is aligning itself with a candidate who may advocate for clearer regulations on cryptocurrencies. This could potentially ease investor concerns over the long-term viability of Ripple and XRP in a highly regulated market.

For the short term, XRP’s sideways movement suggests that traders are waiting for more decisive news—whether from the SEC’s ongoing case or from political developments. Should Trump’s lead in the polls continue, it could reinforce a narrative that favors the crypto market, especially if he signals intentions to support the digital asset sector. However, any perceived alignment of Ripple with a particular political figure could influence market sentiment as investors weigh potential regulatory impacts.

In conclusion, while XRP’s price may not see immediate volatility from Larsen’s donation to Kamala Harris, the evolving political dynamics could shape the digital currency’s longer-term outlook. Traders and investors should keep a close eye on both Ripple’s legal battles and the upcoming U.S. presidential race, as these factors could play a pivotal role in shaping the future of XRP and the broader cryptocurrency market.