Deadly Or Disruptive? XRP Gets The COVID-19 Comparison From Finance Expert

Financial commentator Gary Cardone ignited a heated debate this week after he accused XRP of siding with authoritarian powers to stay relevant.

His statements followed speculation that the European Central Bank (ECB) could use the XRP Ledger to power its upcoming digital euro project. No formal decision has been made by the ECB, but the rumor alone was enough to stir strong opinions.

Cardone Slams XRP And Christine Lagarde

Cardone didn’t hold back in his comments. He said XRP would “take any path it needs to survive,” even if that meant teaming up with “the most oppressive people on the planet.”

He called ECB President Christine Lagarde “Ms. Cringe” and claimed she wants to turn Europe into a “prison continent.”

Is XRP The Covid-19 Of Finance? Expert Thinks So

It didn’t stop there. Cardone compared the altcoin’s role in global finance to a second wave of Covid-19. “It’s Covid-19 Part Two in finance,” he posted. He also said supporting XRP is like voting for “European warmongers.”

These comments lit a fire under the XRP community, who were quick to respond.

XRP will take any path they need to survive including coordinating with the most oppressive people on planet Earth, one of them pictured below, Ms Cringe, who will do whatever is needed to turn Europe into a Prison Continent, so there is martial law everywhere and they can scam… https://t.co/ZfXFhWQoiD

— Gary Cardone (@GaryCardone) June 9, 2025

Rumors About The Digital Euro Continue

There’s been growing talk that the ECB might launch the digital euro using blockchain tech. Some believe the Ledger is in the running. But so far, the central bank hasn’t confirmed anything.

It hasn’t even committed to launching the digital euro yet. The European Parliament still needs to approve it.

Ripple, the company tied to XRP, has held talks with central banks in countries like Palau and Georgia. They’ve already launched pilot programs with Ripple’s help. But that doesn’t mean the ECB is next in line.

Despite the lack of official backing, XRP fans are hopeful. Any involvement with a central bank brings a level of legitimacy. For some, it’s exciting. For others, it’s a red flag.

XRP market cap currently at $133 billion. Chart: TradingView

Supporters Push Back On Cardone’s Claims

Crypto influencers wasted no time hitting back at Cardone. Robert Doyle, known online as Crypto Sensei, called the claims “factually wrong” and clarified there’s no proof the ECB picked XRP Ledger for anything.

Moon Lambo, another well-known voice in the crypto community, said Cardone may have fallen for fake news. He even suggested Cardone is pushing an agenda, calling it “XRP Derangement Syndrome.”

You suffer from the affliction known as $XRP derangement syndrome.

— Moon Lambo (@MoonLamboio) May 10, 2025

Moon Lambo linked to the ECB’s official website, showing that no platform decisions have been made. He warned that careless posts damage credibility and urged Cardone to act with integrity.

Divided Views Over Altcoin’s Role In Global Finance

This debate reveals a bigger split in the crypto world. Some people think working with governments and banks shows that a crypto project is useful. Others say it’s a betrayal of what crypto was built for—freedom from centralized control.

Featured image from Imagen, chart from TradingView

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