John Deaton, a well-known legal advocate for Ripple and XRP holders, has revealed that he owns a “substantial” amount of XRP while responding to criticism over his recent pro-Bitcoin commentary.
Deaton, who gained recognition during the SEC v. Ripple lawsuit for representing over 75,000 XRP holders, clarified his views in a social media thread that sparked wide discussion in the crypto community.
Doubling Down on Bitcoin at $100K+
The disclosure came after a member of the XRP community questioned Deaton’s apparent favoritism toward Bitcoin. Responding, Deaton asserted that his support for Bitcoin does not diminish his belief in XRP’s potential. “We will operate in a world of more than one coin,” he wrote, adding that owning both assets is not mutually exclusive.
Deaton’s nuanced stance follows a tweet where he outlined his current investment strategy. The attorney, who says his Bitcoin cost average is under $25,000, stated he is currently selling real estate to acquire more Bitcoin, even at current prices above $100,000.
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He emphasized that he holds around 80% of his net worth in Bitcoin and believes, amid growing global instability, that BTC is now a safer buy at $106K than it was at $20k.
I’m not in favor of telling people living paycheck to paycheck (me until 15 years ago) to take out a mortgage on their primary home to buy Bitcoin (I’m not suggesting that that’s what David is recommending either), but I am in the process of selling real estate, and although my… https://t.co/JMB1zgeazW
— John E Deaton (@JohnEDeaton1) June 8, 2025
Legislative Tailwinds and Macroeconomic Drivers
“Buying Bitcoin at $106K is more asymmetrical than it was at $25K,” Deaton argued, citing rising institutional demand, potential passage of pro-crypto legislation like the BBB and GENIUS Acts, and long-term concerns around fiat debasement and national debt.
He admitted his view could change within a few years, but for now, macroeconomic conditions and regulatory trends have strengthened his bullish outlook. Despite his Bitcoin enthusiasm, Deaton reaffirmed his strong connection to XRP, reminding critics of his direct involvement in the legal battle with the SEC.
XRP and BTC Can Coexist
Although some XRP supporters viewed Deaton’s Bitcoin commentary as disloyal, the attorney clarified that supporting one project does not necessitate rejecting another.
His stance reflects the increasing acceptance within the crypto space that multiple digital assets can coexist and thrive, each serving different functions within the emerging financial landscape.
The debate also echoes comments from Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse, who has previously urged the XRP community not to view Bitcoin advocates as rivals. As the crypto market matures, voices like Deaton’s highlight the importance of a diversified perspective in an industry often fragmented by tribalism.
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