In a move that surprised the blockchain community, Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse has publicly adjusted his opinion on Dogecoin. Once a vocal critic of the meme-based cryptocurrency, Garlinghouse now admits that Dogecoin is likely “here to stay.” The headline Ripple CEO shifts stance reflects a broader shift in how even traditional crypto leaders view meme coins in 2025.
From Harsh Skepticism to Unexpected Endorsement
Garlinghouse had previously expressed serious doubts about Dogecoin’s utility. At events such as Consensus 2024 and the World Economic Forum in Davos, he criticized DOGE for lacking real-world use cases and likened it to “the Zimbabwean dollar.”
“I don’t get it. Beyond Elon Musk tweets, I see no clear utility for Dogecoin,” Garlinghouse said at Davos.
Dogecoin co-creator Billy Markus quickly fired back, saying Dogecoin shares key properties with Bitcoin and that Garlinghouse’s criticism came from “small minds.”
Now in 2025, Garlinghouse is singing a different tune. In an interview covered by FXEmpire, he said: “It’s time to acknowledge that Dogecoin is here to stay.” This statement marks a significant tonal shift – Ripple CEO shifts stance – from outright dismissal to reluctant acceptance.
What’s Behind the Shift?
Several factors may have influenced why Ripple CEO shifts stance:
- Community Strength: Dogecoin continues to foster one of the most engaged and passionate communities in crypto.
- Adoption Momentum: DOGE has been accepted by various merchants for payments and integrated into tipping platforms.
- Cultural Staying Power: Thanks to Elon Musk’s ongoing support, Dogecoin remains a cultural icon in the crypto world.
These factors have likely made it impossible for prominent figures like Garlinghouse to continue ignoring Dogecoin’s influence.
Ripple CEO Shifts Stance: Industry Reaction
The crypto space reacted quickly once news broke that Ripple CEO shifts stance. Some praised the move as a sign of maturity and adaptability. Others saw it as an attempt by Ripple to appear more in tune with retail investor interests.
Although Garlinghouse hasn’t hinted at any DOGE-related plans for Ripple, his comments could open the door for broader discussions around meme coin legitimacy.
A New Tone for Legacy Blockchain Leaders
The fact that Ripple CEO shifts stance underscores a bigger industry trend: even utility-driven blockchain companies are beginning to respect the cultural and economic weight behind meme coins. Dogecoin’s blend of humor, accessibility, and surprising endurance continues to challenge traditional metrics of crypto value.
Whether one sees Dogecoin as a joke or a phenomenon, its presence is undeniable, something Garlinghouse now openly admits.
