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A recent post by USA Today has stirred intense debate across the crypto world after it labeled XRP as “the smartest cryptocurrency to buy with $500 right now.” The message, shared on August 2 with USA Today’s 5.1 million followers on X (formerly Twitter), quickly set off a wave of reactions ranging from harsh criticism to enthusiastic support.
The original article was written by Will Ebiefung for The Motley Fool and republished by USA Today. But what followed was a digital firestorm highlighting how polarizing XRP still is in the cryptocurrency space.
Crypto Twitter Reacts: From Praise to Outrage
The social media backlash was swift. Critics didn’t hold back in questioning both USA Today’s credibility and the legitimacy of XRP as an investment. Comments like “Smartest way to waste $500” and “I wonder if there was ever a faker news” flooded in. Others simply posted memes mocking the idea.
Some accused the article of being misleading or even financially irresponsible, with users calling it “unlicensed financial advice” lacking necessary disclaimers or risk warnings. The most vocal critics painted the move as reckless, especially for a publication with such a large audience.
XRP Supporters Defend the Pick
While critics called the article irresponsible, XRP enthusiasts rallied to its defense. Many were quick to embrace the spotlight, with one user writing, “Don’t sleep on XRP. Don’t listen to all the haters.”
To XRP holders, this kind of mainstream recognition was seen as validation. Some viewed it as a sign that the token’s utility and potential are finally being appreciated beyond the crypto bubble.
Laura Shin Questions the Recommendation
Respected journalist and host of the Unchained podcast, Laura Shin, also weighed in on the controversy. She pointed out the need for “crypto-literate journalists” at mainstream outlets, suggesting that the article oversimplified the complex investment landscape.
Responding to XRP fans who questioned her skepticism, Shin said, “The fact is that after 13 years, Ripple has barely any traction or volume.” Her comments struck a nerve and sparked further debate on whether XRP’s long-term performance justifies such positive headlines.
Critics Dig Into Author’s Track Record
Adding fuel to the fire, some critics questioned Will Ebiefung’s previous investment advice. One user pointed out that Ebiefung had previously promoted SAND, the native token of The Sandbox metaverse project, in February 2022—when the coin traded near $4. That same token has since fallen to below $0.26, casting doubt on the author’s track record.
The criticism was framed not just around XRP but around the credibility of financial guidance from popular media platforms and contributors.
Debate Highlights Crypto’s Divide on Media Influence
This incident underscores the ongoing divide within the crypto space when it comes to mainstream media’s role in shaping investor behavior. While some people welcome recognition of digital assets from large publications, others remain wary of potentially misleading narratives that could influence inexperienced investors.
The polarized response also reflects how different segments of the crypto world view XRP itself—some see it as a viable utility token tied to cross-border payments, while others still consider it controversial due to the Ripple vs SEC lawsuit and past centralization concerns.
XRP Still in the Spotlight
Despite the backlash, the post succeeded in doing one thing: putting XRP back in the spotlight. Whether seen as a smart investment or a risky gamble, XRP continues to generate headlines and spark passionate discussions.
For now, the question remains: Was USA Today’s endorsement of XRP a bold move backed by insight—or a risky recommendation that oversimplifies the complexities of crypto investing?
