Resurfaced Interview Sparks Debate on XRP’s Legitimacy
An interview clip from four weeks ago featuring Mark Yusko of Morgan Creek Capital has resurfaced, thanks to the well-known XRP proponent “Digital Asset Investor” (DAI). This has reignited a longstanding debate in the cryptocurrency community: Is the criticism of XRP fair, or is it merely tribalism in disguise?
Expert Opinion: XRP Is Not a Scam
In the edited video segment, Yusko humorously mentions the “XRP army” and admits, “I might’ve said that XRP is a scam… and I actually kind of stand by it.” He further elaborates that price increases are more indicative of market demand than the asset’s intrinsic value: “The fact that an asset increases in price doesn’t mean that the functionality got better. It just means that there are more buyers than sellers, so the price rises,” he explained.
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Yusko also commented on how political influences might shape blockchain technologies for specific roles, referencing rumors after Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse was seen with former President Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago. DAI bluntly summarized the clip: “XRP is a Dinosaur Coin According to @scottmelker. XRP is a scam according to @MarkYusko… When Bitcoin becomes an Altcoin, they know the party is over.”
Community Reactions and Clarifications
Reacting swiftly, Scott “The Wolf of All Streets” Melker distanced himself from the “scam” characterization: “I don’t think XRP is a scam,” he asserted. “I don’t really think about XRP. However, many who do seem troubled when others criticize it. That’s their issue, not mine.” He further clarified that what intrigued him was Yusko’s candor, not the notion that XRP is deceitful.
The Broader Implications for XRP
This stance, which simultaneously rejects the “scam” label while likening XRP and Ethereum to “dinosaur” coins, aligns with Melker’s public views and kept the discussion alive on Crypto-Twitter. XRP supporters used this opportunity to argue that such broad criticisms are disconnected from the project’s current legal and market status, especially after the conclusion of a lengthy SEC battle.
One of the most comprehensive defenses came from “Cryptoinsightuk,” who contended that the “scam” narrative is applied selectively and overlooks market dynamics and recent enforcement history. “XRP is no more of a ‘scam’ than BTC, which is no more of a ‘scam’ than the dollar and the entire financial system. It’s baffling to witness the ongoing wave of animosity toward XRP, while those making wild accusations seem unchallenged,” he argued.
He also countered Yusko’s “king-maker” argument by pointing out that, historically, U.S. authorities have targeted Ripple and its token, undermining the notion of preferential treatment.
Legal Perspectives and Market Reality
Legal expert Bill Morgan (@Belisarius2020) commented: “A truly ridiculous take. Much of the anti-XRP FUD originates from the same sources. It’s not about valid criticism or preference for other coins—it’s deliberate FUD.”
On August 8, 2025, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission officially concluded its lawsuit against Ripple Labs. District Judge Analisa Torres maintained penalties, including a $125 million fine and restrictions on specific institutional sales, while both parties dropped their appeals. The court’s 2023 summary judgment remains pivotal, differentiating between institutional XRP sales as unregistered securities offerings and programmatic sales on exchanges as non-securities.
This legal distinction is crucial in 2025, as the “scam” accusation feels misplaced. The legal findings do not label the token as fraudulent; they clarify when Ripple’s sales practices breached securities law.
Yusko’s Perspective on XRP’s Market Dynamics
Yusko’s critique in the resurfaced clip is less about legalities and more about the token’s utility and the broader narrative. He argues that a rising asset price does not necessarily correlate with improvements in functionality.
As of the latest updates, XRP’s trading value continues to reflect its market dynamics and investor sentiment.
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