Crypto commentator Xaif (@Xaif_Crypto) shared a video that has quickly gained traction across the XRP community. In the clip, Cardano creator Charles Hoskinson spoke candidly about Donald Trump’s decision to announce a U.S. crypto reserve that included XRP, ADA, and SOL.
Trump announced the reserve in early 2025, shortly after his inauguration. While it was initially received well, Xaif presented the video as an example of why the process behind the announcement matters as much as the assets named. His point was simple: when decisions lack structure, markets react in predictable ways, and retail participants often pay the price.
Charles Hoskinson criticizes Donald Trump’s crypto reserve move, alleging:
— Xaif Crypto🇮🇳|🇺🇸 (@Xaif_Crypto) January 13, 2026
Hoskinson Criticizes the Process, Not the Assets
In the video, Hoskinson focused on the absence of objective standards. He said, “What you do is just create objective standards.” He made clear that none were presented. According to him, the decision appeared arbitrary.
He referenced the moment XRP, ADA, and Solana were named, saying, “And I was just like, okay, well shit, I’m just going to get subpoenaed now when the Democrats get back in power.”
Hoskinson also addressed market behavior around the announcement. He said, “People took positions before it went up and then short-sold it when it went down.” He called the sequence “extractive” and said it placed an unnecessary burden on the industry.
His criticism centered on trust. He questioned why some large assets were included while others with similar rankings were not. These comments reinforced Xaif’s position. The issue was not XRP’s presence in the announcement, but the lack of a clear framework.
Why XRP Still Stands Apart
While Hoskinson criticized the execution, his comments indirectly highlighted why XRP continues to separate itself from the field. XRP does not rely on announcements or political gestures to justify its relevance. Its value proposition already exists.
XRP’s role in cross-border settlement did not change because of the reserve headline. Banks and institutions are already using the technology, and liquidity corridors remain. These factors do not depend on who holds office or who makes an announcement.
Progress After the Announcement
Despite the issues from the announcement, the Trump administration has made notable progress in cryptocurrency regulation. The Genius Act was signed into law in 2025. Most enforcement actions against cryptocurrency companies were dropped, including the long-running lawsuit against Ripple.
This move paved the way for spot XRP ETFs in the U.S., and the mention of XRP in these products has put it on the same level as Bitcoin and Ethereum. While the announcement may have caused some issues, the administration has followed sound structural principles that will bring significant benefits as the crypto industry grows.