Crypto expert Zach Rector recently shared new insights regarding XRP and the broader cryptocurrency landscape. He emphasized that recent evidence shows coordinated efforts to undermine Ripple and XRP from the early days of distributed ledger technology.
According to Rector, the actions went beyond market speculation or price concerns, directly targeting XRP’s adoption and community growth.
Rector explained that the so-called “red folder” initiative, often viewed as a buyback strategy, had a larger purpose. It was designed to document the damages caused to the XRP community over the years.
They tried everything to stop Ripple & XRP pic.twitter.com/37gfR3cD5c
— Zach Rector (@ZachRector7) February 2, 2026
The Hill-Epstein Communication
Part of this new evidence includes a July 31, 2014, email from Austin Hill to Jeffrey Epstein, with copies to Joi Ito of MIT and Reid Hoffman. In the email, Hill advised against investing in Ripple and Stellar, stating they were “bad for the ecosystem we are building.”
The email emphasized that supporting these projects could create strategic conflicts for investors aligned with Bitcoin. Rector highlighted that Joi Ito’s involvement is notable given his connection to Gary Gensler, who taught at MIT and discussed XRP’s utility as a bridge currency shortly before joining the SEC.
The email does not indicate any operational involvement by Epstein with Ripple or Stellar. Former Ripple CTO David Schwartz also weighed in on the email, suggesting it could be the tip of a giant iceberg.
While he did not suggest Epstein directly acted against these projects, Rector highlighted this correspondence as part of a broader pattern of efforts to influence perceptions and investments in XRP.
XRP Community Response
Rector noted that the XRP community remained resilient despite these pressures. The red folder, initially interpreted as a market tactic, also served to record historical damages and ensure the community could respond proactively.
“The red folder was not just a meme, it wasn’t just about a $50,000 buyback,” Rector said. He framed the initiative as a method to promote accountability and strengthen community understanding of XRP’s history.
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What to Expect from XRP
Rector suggested that XRP will emerge stronger following these revelations. The community’s proactive stance, along with the transparency provided by documents like the Hill-Epstein email, positions XRP for continued growth and adoption. He emphasized the importance of analyzing past efforts to undermine Ripple and XRP to prepare for future developments.
XRP has faced deliberate challenges, yet the community has consistently defended and reinforced its utility. The community has been recognized for this role on several occasions. This resilience supports the asset’s position in the evolving digital asset ecosystem.
Disclaimer: This content is meant to inform and should not be considered financial advice. The views expressed in this article may include the author’s personal opinions and do not represent Times Tabloid’s opinion. Readers are advised to conduct thorough research before making any investment decisions. Any action taken by the reader is strictly at their own risk. Times Tabloid is not responsible for any financial losses.
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