At the recently concluded Apex 2025 event, Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse made a surprising statement about Dogecoin (DOGE ($0.14)). Once a vocal critic of the meme-inspired cryptocurrency, Garlinghouse now acknowledges that DOGE is here to stay. “It’s part of the ecosystem. It plays a role,” he said, highlighting the asset’s remarkable liquidity and its ongoing presence in the market.

This comment marks a notable shift in Garlinghouse’s tone. Previously, he had expressed concern that the popularity of meme coins like Dogecoin undermined the credibility of the broader crypto industry. According to him, these tokens lacked utility and risked distracting attention from serious blockchain innovations.

From Criticism to Cautious Acceptance

Despite his recognition of Dogecoin’s relevance, Garlinghouse remains wary of its broader impact. He argued that meme coins often hinder the efforts of developers and companies building real-world applications on blockchain technology. “I’ve never purchased a meme coin, ever,” he clarified, emphasising his stance on speculative digital assets.

Garlinghouse also took the opportunity to reflect on his early experience with Bitcoin. He first encountered the leading cryptocurrency in 2012. At the time, he questioned its sustainability, particularly due to its anti-bank and anti-government rhetoric. Rather than imagining a future with parallel financial systems, he foresaw the rise of bridges between traditional finance and the crypto world—a vision Ripple continues to pursue today.

Related article: Ripple CEO Shuts Down $20B Circle Buyout Rumors, Highlights Strategic Focus on RLUSD ($1.00) and XRPL

A Broader Perspective on Crypto Inclusion

Although Garlinghouse still voices concerns about the hype surrounding meme coins, his current remarks show a more inclusive outlook. He no longer sees communities like Dogecoin as adversaries to serious crypto projects like XRP ($2.01). Instead, he recognises that various digital assets, whether utility-driven or community-focused, contribute to the broader crypto ecosystem in different ways.

This evolution in perspective highlights the industry’s growing maturity and underscores the importance of striking a balance between innovation and inclusivity.

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