Uncovering the Secret War Between Bitcoin and Ripple
A recently resurfaced email from 2014 has sparked a heated debate about the relationship between Bitcoin and Ripple, two of the most popular cryptocurrencies in the world. The email, sent by Austin Hill, then-CEO of Blockstream, a Bitcoin-focused blockchain technology company, to the late Jeffrey Epstein and other recipients, describes Ripple and Stellar as “bad for the ecosystem.” This statement has raised questions about whether projects like Ripple posed a threat to Bitcoin’s development or merely served as competitors that some BTC supporters wanted to exclude.
The email, which was released as part of the Epstein Files Transparency Act, has been met with skepticism by members of the XRP community, who view it as evidence that early Bitcoin insiders were trying to divert capital away from Ripple. According to Leonidas Hadjiloizou, an XRP commentator, the email reads like an attempt to pressure investors to “pick a horse” and reduce or withdraw a Blockstream allocation if they also support Ripple or Stellar.
The Ripple Perspective
Ripple CTO Emeritus David Schwartz has weighed in on the debate, stating that he would be “not at all surprised” if the email was “the tip of a huge iceberg.” Schwartz argues that portraying supporters of rival networks as enemies is damaging to everyone in the room. However, he also notes that there is no evidence of direct connections between Epstein and Ripple, XRP, or Stellar.
Despite the controversy surrounding the email, Ripple has established itself as a dominant force in the industry. The company has survived and thrived, becoming a regulated pillar of the crypto infrastructure. In 2025, Ripple concluded its long-running battle with the SEC, paying a fraction of the regulator’s original demand and effectively clearing the regulatory cloud that had hung over the asset for years.
Market Acceptance and Institutional Integration
The market’s acceptance of XRP as an institutional asset class has been a significant factor in Ripple’s growth. The launch of XRP ETFs in late 2025, including offerings from issuers such as Franklin Templeton, signaled that Wall Street no longer views the asset as a “contamination.” Instead, the inflows into these products suggest that the “ecosystem” for modern investors is not a zero-sum game between Bitcoin and payment networks, but rather a diversified portfolio in which both “horses” can run.
Ripple has also significantly expanded its custody capabilities through the acquisition of Swiss-based companies Metaco and Standard Custody & Trust. The company has acquired major financial platforms such as GTreasury, Hidden Road, and stablecoin platform Rail, further solidifying its position in the industry.
The Ongoing Debate
The debate between Bitcoin and Ripple community members continues, with some arguing that Ripple’s centralized nature and corporate-controlled token are at odds with the goals of a strategic BTC reserve. However, Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse has consistently pushed for collaboration and unity among industry players to help the nascent sector grow.
As the cryptocurrency market continues to evolve, it is clear that the relationship between Bitcoin and Ripple is complex and multifaceted. While some may view Ripple as a threat to Bitcoin’s development, others see it as a complementary force that can help drive growth and adoption in the industry. Ultimately, the future of cryptocurrency will depend on the ability of different projects and communities to work together and find common ground.
Read more about the secret war between Bitcoin and Ripple at https://cryptoslate.com/epstein-files-reveal-bitcoins-secret-war-as-ripple-insiders-expose-a-decade-of-explosive-hidden-industry-sabotage/
