Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse baffled by rejection from pro-crypto Senator Cynthia Lummis

Ripple’s CEO Brad Garlinghouse expressed his disappointment following the cancellation of a meeting with Senator Cynthia Lummis, a notable supporter of cryptocurrency and the chair of the Senate’s Digital Assets Subcommittee.

In a social media update on May 19, Garlinghouse shared that he was in Washington, D.C., to engage with lawmakers about establishing sensible regulations for stablecoins and the overall crypto market framework.

Despite acknowledging Lummis’s generally positive stance on cryptocurrencies, he voiced concern over the lack of an opportunity to reschedule the canceled meeting.

Garlinghouse encouraged Lummis to reconsider her decision, stating, “I welcome the chance to connect on an X Space or during one of the many events we attend together to discuss how we can position the US as the global hub for cryptocurrency, as envisioned by prior administrations. I remain committed to supporting that vision in every way I can.”

The meeting’s cancellation has led to various speculations within the cryptocurrency community.

Some industry observers deemed Garlinghouse’s public critique as unwarranted, while others accused Lummis of showing favoritism toward Bitcoin.

Pierre Rochard, the CEO of a Bitcoin-focused firm, suggested that Lummis may have opted out of the meeting due to Garlinghouse’s support for Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs), which are often opposed by Bitcoin proponents.

He commented, “Your support for CBDCs has tarnished your reputation and has caused many to doubt your credibility. Your views aren’t taken seriously anymore.”

In parallel, members of the XRP community expressed concerns about a potential personal conflict involving Lummis.

An account called Cowboy Crypto noted that Lummis’ son-in-law, Will Cole, is a recognized Bitcoin supporter who has previously ridiculed Ripple.

Cole, affiliated with a firm focused on Bitcoin payments, has shared content disparaging Garlinghouse.

The account also brought attention to Lummis’ financial associations with the venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz and her family’s strong ties to Bitcoin.

In light of this information, Garlinghouse acknowledged the significance of Cole’s relationship to Lummis but expressed worry over not being able to meet with her after several years of attempts. He raised questions about whether the decision to cancel the meeting stemmed from Lummis herself or her staff.