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John Squire suggests SEC might settle Ripple case by accepting XRP instead of cash.
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Delaying XRP ETF approval could help SEC avoid rising prices before settlement deal.
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June 17 ETF delay might be part of SEC’s calculated move, says Squire.
A surprising idea is gaining attention in the crypto world as social media influencer John Squire suggests that the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) could be planning to settle its lawsuit with Ripple by accepting XRP tokens instead of cash.
Will the SEC truly accept XRP as a payment? Let’s find out!
Delaying ETF Could Be a Strategic Move
In a recent tweet that’s now widely shared, John Squire suggests that the SEC could be delaying the approval of XRP spot ETFs on purpose. Because if they plan to settle the Ripple lawsuit using XRP, they wouldn’t want the price of XRP to shoot up too early.
What if the SEC actually accepts XRP as payment?
There’s a hot theory going around: If the U.S. Government settles with Ripple and accepts $XRP instead of cash, that could explain why ETF approvals are being delayed.
Let’s break it down. 🧵 pic.twitter.com/vJajUibTB5
— John Squire (@TheCryptoSquire) April 30, 2025
And that’s exactly what could happen if a spot ETF is approved right now. Unlike a futures ETF, a spot ETF buys XRP directly. That demand would send the price soaring, possibly making XRP too expensive for a favorable government settlement.
Therefore, to keep XRP’s price lower, there has been a delay in the settlement process.
If XRP Is Used as Payment
The theory comes after journalist Eleanor Terrett confirmed that the SEC had delayed its decision on Franklin Templeton’s XRP spot ETF until June 17. Squire argues that this delay is not a coincidence but part of a broader strategy.
Squire says that if the SEC accepts XRP as payment, it would show they no longer see it as illegal. He also points out it wouldn’t make sense for the U.S. government to take payment in something they say is not allowed.
Such a settlement could also lead to regulatory clarity for XRP, encourage institutional investment, and possibly mark the beginning of a new bull run for the token.
XRP Price Outlook
As of now, XRP is trading around $2.20, reflecting a drop of 0.63%, with a market cap hitting $129.13 billion.
However, the 1-day chart suggests that if XRP goes above $2.40, it could start a strong upward trend toward $2.60 or even $2.90. But if it falls below $2, it might trigger more big sell-offs.