David Schwartz, Ripple CTO, Says He’s Reluctant to Voice XRP Optimism

TLDR

• David Schwartz stated that he refrains from expressing strong optimism about XRP due to concerns about market manipulation.
• He described it as somewhat disheartening that he cannot openly share his positive outlook on cryptocurrencies.
• Schwartz noted that critics often interpret executives’ remarks as self-serving.
• He defended his previous sales of XRP, Bitcoin, and Ethereum as personal financial choices.
• Schwartz rejected the notion that selling crypto is ethically worse than buying.

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(SeaPRwire) –   Ripple executive David Schwartz explained that he holds back on expressing enthusiasm about $XRP and digital assets due to fears of being accused of manipulation. He noted that public support from industry leaders can lead to accusations of self-interest, which he called “kind of sad” in a recent post on X.

David Schwartz Addresses XRP Optimism and Public Scrutiny

David Schwartz, Ripple’s Chief Technology Officer Emeritus, voiced his concerns directly to followers on X. He said he avoids voicing strong bullish sentiments about XRP and cryptocurrencies, as critics might interpret his remarks as self-serving or manipulative.

It’s kind of sad that I don’t feel comfortable sharing my optimism about XRP (and even, to some extent, cryptocurrencies generally) because it could be perceived as self-serving or, worse, deliberate manipulation.

— David ‘JoelKatz’ Schwartz (@JoelKatz) May 6, 2026

“It’s kind of sad that I don’t feel comfortable sharing my optimism about XRP,” Schwartz wrote publicly.

He added that some may view such statements as intentional market manipulation. As a result, he chooses restraint despite his personal confidence.

Schwartz emphasized that his role invites heightened scrutiny of every public statement. He observed that people often connect executive comments to token price changes, meaning even sincere opinions can provoke backlash.

He expressed disappointment that his position restricts open dialogue. Nevertheless, he affirmed his preference for transparency over silence, while remaining mindful of market sensitivity.

He confirmed that he remains broadly optimistic about digital assets. However, he clarified that he avoids framing his views in ways that could sway trading decisions, opting instead to keep some opinions private.

Bitcoin and Ethereum Sales Spark Debate Over Selling

Schwartz connected this caution to criticism surrounding his past cryptocurrency sales. He justified his decisions to sell portions of his XRP holdings and referenced earlier sales of Bitcoin and Ethereum.

“Everyone had the same opportunity to buy and sell XRP that I did,” he said, adding that he approached Bitcoin and ETH similarly. He dismissed the idea that selling constitutes a moral failing.

He criticized the “diamond hands” mindset that stigmatizes taking profits. Instead, he advocated for practical risk management. He encouraged individuals to sell when it aligns with their financial goals.

“I utterly reject the idea that selling is somehow morally inferior to buying,” Schwartz wrote. He reiterated his long-standing advice that people should act in their own best interest, asserting that markets function as fair and level arenas.

Schwartz also recounted earlier transactions involving Bitcoin and XRP. He mentioned exchanging Bitcoin for 26 million XRP, then selling a significant portion when the price hit $0.10.

He explained that holding large amounts of a volatile asset caused unease. As a result, he reduced his exposure despite the possibility of future gains. He has previously admitted to missing out on higher valuations after those sales.