Ripple’s long-running legal standoff with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) could finally be approaching a major turning point. With a key court deadline fast approaching, XRP advocates are once again calling out what they see as glaring inconsistencies in how the SEC treats different crypto projects.

Prominent pro-XRP lawyer Bill Morgan recently reignited this debate by criticizing asset manager VanEck. In a pointed post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Morgan accused VanEck of selective advocacy—supporting fairness for certain crypto ETF filings while ignoring Ripple’s fight against the SEC.

VanEck Pushes for ETF Fairness, But Ignores XRP

VanEck, along with Canary Capital and 21Shares, recently signed a joint letter addressed to SEC Chair Paul Atkins. The letter called on the agency to adopt a “first-to-file, first-to-approve” standard for crypto exchange-traded fund (ETF) applications, claiming that selective treatment stifles innovation and undermines market integrity.

The asset managers highlighted the lengthy delays and uncertainty around spot crypto ETF approvals, urging the SEC to adopt more transparent and predictable processes. But while this push for fairness was applauded by some, others—like Bill Morgan—noticed what was missing: any reference to Ripple or XRP.

Morgan fired back, stating, “Don’t recall you complaining about SEC favoritism when Ripple was sued over XRP sales and Ethereum received a free pass.” His comments refer to the SEC’s 2020 lawsuit against Ripple Labs, accusing the company of selling unregistered securities through its XRP token.

Ethereum vs XRP: The Unequal Treatment Debate

The pro-XRP community has long criticized what it views as regulatory bias in favor of Ethereum. In 2018, SEC official William Hinman declared in a now-infamous speech that Ethereum was not a security. This speech has become a focal point in the ongoing Ripple case, as XRP was not afforded the same clarity or regulatory relief.

Critics argue that Hinman’s comments created a double standard, with Ethereum enjoying regulatory freedom while Ripple was left to defend itself in a lengthy and expensive legal battle. Attorney John Deaton and others have questioned whether conflicts of interest may have influenced the SEC’s treatment of Ethereum.

These concerns were echoed in Morgan’s post, highlighting how VanEck and others are quick to demand fair treatment when their interests are on the line but remained silent during Ripple’s critical legal challenges.

Ripple Case Update: Countdown to June 16

As the legal and political spotlight intensifies, attention is now turning toward June 16—a key deadline for the SEC to respond to the Appeals Court regarding its enforcement actions against Ripple. This upcoming filing could provide crucial insight into whether the case is headed toward a final settlement or more litigation.

The deadline is significant because it may signal the SEC’s next move. Many observers believe the agency is under increasing pressure to resolve the Ripple case, especially amid growing scrutiny over its handling of crypto regulation. A favorable outcome or settlement could have massive implications not just for Ripple, but for the entire crypto industry.

Several crypto insiders believe a 2025 resolution is likely, particularly with broader political shifts and rising bipartisan interest in crypto-friendly legislation.

XRP Price Holds Steady at $2.29 — Breakout or Breakdown Ahead?

On the market front, XRP is showing signs of cautious optimism. The token has climbed 2.7% over the past 24 hours and is now trading at $2.29. This steady performance comes amid speculation that a Ripple settlement could propel prices even higher.

If XRP manages to break past the $2.35 resistance level, bulls could target $2.50, then $2.65. A sustained rally could even test the all-time high of $3.55, last seen in early 2018.

However, technical indicators suggest that XRP remains at a critical juncture. The 50-day exponential moving average (EMA) currently acts as support. If XRP drops below this level, bearish momentum could take the price down to $1.93 or lower.

Much depends on the legal developments expected around mid-June. Traders and long-term holders alike are watching the court docket as closely as they are the charts.

The Bigger Picture: Regulation, Politics, and Crypto’s Future

The broader narrative surrounding Ripple and the SEC goes beyond just XRP. It taps into larger concerns about how crypto will be regulated in the United States and whether all players will be treated equally.

Chair Paul Atkins’ more open-minded stance toward decentralized finance (DeFi) and staking, expressed at the recent SEC Crypto Task Force Roundtable, suggests that a regulatory shift could be underway. If the SEC begins adopting more nuanced, forward-thinking approaches to crypto, Ripple’s ordeal might represent the final chapter of the “regulation-by-enforcement” era.

Bill Morgan’s critique of VanEck also illustrates the deep frustration among XRP supporters, many of whom believe the project has been unfairly targeted while others have been given favorable treatment. Whether or not the lawsuit ends in Ripple’s favor, the outcome will set a lasting precedent.

Conclusion

As XRP trades near key resistance and the Ripple-SEC lawsuit moves toward a potentially decisive moment, the spotlight remains firmly fixed on regulatory fairness. Bill Morgan’s sharp criticism of VanEck has reignited the debate over favoritism, drawing attention to how inconsistent treatment by regulators can have far-reaching effects on the crypto ecosystem.

With a crucial deadline set for June 16, and XRP showing price strength ahead of the news, the next few weeks could be pivotal for Ripple—and perhaps the broader crypto landscape.