Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse joined President Donald Trump, SEC Chair Paul Atkins, CFTC Chair Michael Selig, Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong and other crypto industry leaders at the White House, where the focus was on clearer crypto rules, U.S. innovation and the next steps for the CLARITY Act. The meeting came as $XRP was recovering from the $1 area, with the fresh regulatory movement helping improve sentiment around the token.
Brad Garlinghouse: “Crypto Isn’t a Fringe Industry”
Garlinghouse mentioned the growing size of the U.S. crypto market, saying 67 million Americans now hold crypto, or nearly one in four people. He said crypto has moved well beyond being a niche industry and that Washington can no longer ignore its growing user base.
Great to be back at the White House today alongside @realDonaldTrump, @SECPaulSAtkins, @ChairmanSelig and leaders across the crypto industry.
The big picture has never been clearer: 67 million Americans hold crypto today (that’s nearly 1 in 4!). Crypto isn’t a fringe industry.… pic.twitter.com/fsyX1ZwG2a
— Brad Garlinghouse (@bgarlinghouse) August 20, 2026
He also praised Trump’s focus on digital-asset innovation, saying the administration’s commitment could create a brighter future for the industry.
For $XRP, the broader thing is that Ripple has been pushing for clearer U.S. rules for years. Greater regulatory certainty could make it easier for crypto companies and financial institutions to build and operate in the country.
Trump Puts the CLARITY Act in Focus
Trump called on Congress to pass a fair version of the legislation, arguing that it could open the door to the next wave of innovation.
Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong called the September 15 CLARITY Act vote the most important next step. He said the administration, SEC and CFTC are aligned and that the crypto industry is ready to move the legislation forward.
The bill is still not law, so its progress through the Senate remains an important factor for the market.
SEC Chair Paul Atkins said the regulator is working toward making the U.S. a stronger home for crypto innovation. He pointed to the SEC’s proposed crypto-assets rules, which he said could provide companies with more certainty when raising capital through digital assets.
Great to join President @realDonaldTrump, @ChairmanSelig, and industry leaders at the @WhiteHouse today.
Under President Trump’s leadership, we will ensure that the greatest advances of the technological frontier are realized right here in America. 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/c2QHFFcBB3
— Paul Atkins (@SECPaulSAtkins) August 19, 2026
Atkins also backed the goal of sending the CLARITY Act to Trump for approval, connecting crypto regulation with the broader effort to boost U.S. financial markets and bring more investors into the system.
$XRP Price Jumps
$XRP climbed nearly 10% to around $1.09, breaking above the $1.08 level after spending several days near $1. The next level to watch is around $1.14, with a sustained move above it potentially opening the way toward $1.20. If the rally loses momentum, $1.08 could become an important support level.
🚨 $XRP EXPLODES 12% After Ripple CEO’s Trump Meeting — SMASHES Through $1.08 Resistance as RSI Hits EXTREME Overbought Levels 🤯🔥
After weeks of fighting around $1.00, $XRP suddenly ripped nearly 12%, blasting straight through the major $1.081 resistance and reaching roughly… https://t.co/MqynN5V4vY pic.twitter.com/sKZyQWdkxG
— Diana (@InvestWithD) August 19, 2026
The price move was also supported by renewed $XRP ETF demand. Spot $XRP ETFs recorded $5.81 million in inflows on August 18, their strongest single-day inflow since July 31, after seeing no activity on Monday. The five ETFs now collectively hold about 1.5% of $XRP’s current supply.
