- Pierre Rochard called for XRP holders to “unconditionally surrender” and adopt Bitcoin.
- The debate follows the U.S. government’s prioritizing Bitcoin for its strategic reserve.
- XRP supporters pushed back, fueling ongoing tensions in the crypto community.
Former VP of Bitcoin mining firm Riot Platforms Pierre Rochard has reignited tensions within the crypto community by calling for XRP supporters to “unconditionally surrender” and fully adopt Bitcoin.
The dispute unfolded on social media platform X following latest developments in the U.S. government’s approach to digital asset reserves.
Riot Exec Urges Crypto Unity Under Bitcoin, Sparks XRP Backlash
In an earlier tweet, Rochard had advocated to the crypto industry to move past tribalism and unite under Bitcoin.
His comments arose alongside reports that the U.S. government was considering a national crypto reserve that would include Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, Solana, and Cardano.
Bitcoin-Only Reserve Plan “Aged Well,” Says Rochard, Doubling Down on XRP Jibe
However, by March, only a Bitcoin-focused reserve had moved forward. Rochard then reposted his original statement with the caption: “This aged well.” Notably, the government disclosed plans to hold altcoins without direct acquisition.
Rochard’s remarks drew a response from XRP enthusiast Cort Hessler, who accused him of fueling division within the crypto space.
“Instigator of Division”: XRP Backer Blasts Bitcoin Maximalist Stance
Hessler accused Rochard of being the main instigators of division within the crypto space. For context, Rochard had previously targeted the Ripple CEO, calling him the “biggest obstacle” to Bitcoin reserve.
instead, Hessler urged Rochard to stop fueling conflicts and suggested that since Bitcoin had already secured government backing, Rochard should leave the XRP community alone and focus on BTC instead.
Related: Ripple CEO Lauds White House Crypto Summit, Calls for Industry Unity
In response, Rochard asserted that social media is an open platform where users control their own experience. He argued that if anyone took issue with his posts, it was their responsibility to mute or block him.
“Unconditional Surrender” Demand Intensifies Bitcoin vs. XRP Divide
The debate escalated when Rochard stated he is “happy to stop the fighting after the XRP space unconditionally surrenders and fully adopts BTC.”
Hessler rejected this outright, stressing that such a shift would never happen.
The exchange highlights the divide between Bitcoin maximalists, who believe BTC is the only legitimate cryptocurrency, and supporters of other digital assets. The U.S. government’s decision to prioritize Bitcoin in its strategic reserve has only intensified these divisions.
Related: Crypto Market Crash: Bitcoin Dumps as Trump’s “Strategic Reserve” Backfires
The move disgruntled investors who had anticipated fresh demand. And the disappointment triggered a sell-off sending Bitcoin’s price tumbling. As of writing, Bitcoin is trading at $82,719, a 3.8% drop in the past day. XRP has followed suit with a 4.4% drop to trade at $2.22 in the same period.
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