Elon Musk XRP Rumors Explode: Is X Payments Getting Crypto Integration

TLDR

• Crypto influencer JackTheRippler posted a video on January 17, 2026 sparking rumors that Elon Musk might integrate XRP and RLUSD into X payments, though no official confirmation exists.
• Musk only mentioned XRP once publicly in October 2024, saying crypto helps with individual freedom but specifically stating this was not an endorsement of XRP.
• Cross River bank, which handles X Money’s banking, has used Ripple technology for international transfers since 2014, fueling speculation about a potential connection.
• X CEO Linda Yaccarino previously stated X Money would launch with Visa and peer-to-peer transfers but made no mention of cryptocurrency integration.
• No official announcements have been made by Musk, X executives, or Ripple confirming any plans to integrate XRP or RLUSD into the X platform.

A video shared by crypto influencer JackTheRippler on January 17, 2026 has triggered widespread discussion about whether Elon Musk plans to integrate XRP and RLUSD into X payments. The video shows Musk discussing his vision for transforming X into a major financial platform. However, no official confirmation of any cryptocurrency integration exists.

In the video, Musk outlined his goal for X to become one of the world’s largest financial systems. He described it as a fast money database with minimal fraud. The clip prompted speculation across crypto communities about potential XRP integration. JackTheRippler’s post suggested rumors were circulating about both XRP and RLUSD being added to the platform.

Musk has only addressed XRP once in public comments. During an October 2024 town hall meeting in Pittsburgh, an attendee asked him about XRP and the XRP Ledger’s potential use in financial institutions. Musk responded by calling cryptocurrency an interesting bulwark against centralized control.

He then clarified his statement. Musk said his comments were not an endorsement or lack of endorsement for XRP. He added that crypto by its nature helps with individual freedom. These remain his only public remarks specifically mentioning XRP.

The speculation has roots in existing business relationships. Cross River bank handles banking operations for X Money. The bank has used Ripple technology for international transfers since 2014. This connection has led some to draw conclusions about potential XRP integration.

Technical Arguments for XRP Integration

XRP already facilitates fast cross-border transactions for banks and large institutions. The network offers real-time settlement and low transaction fees. These characteristics align with Musk’s stated goals for X as an everything app combining messaging, shopping and financial services.

Ripple launched RLUSD in December 2024. The dollar-backed stablecoin operates with similar speed and cost advantages. Both products could theoretically fit Musk’s vision for a comprehensive financial platform. However, these technical compatibilities do not confirm actual integration plans.

X CEO Linda Yaccarino has discussed X Money’s launch plans. She mentioned partnerships with Visa for payment processing and peer-to-peer transfer capabilities. Her statements made no reference to cryptocurrency integration of any kind. The payment system’s expected launch date from last year has passed without deployment.

Previous Dogecoin Speculation

Before the XRP rumors gained traction, Dogecoin was widely expected to be integrated into X payments. Musk has frequently referenced the meme coin and expressed support for it publicly. He has called it based on energy rather than arbitrary fiat currency. Despite this apparent preference, Musk has never confirmed plans to integrate Dogecoin into X.

Market experts have weighed in on cryptocurrency integration possibilities. SkyBridge founder Anthony Scaramucci stated in an interview that he believes Musk will build a super app using crypto. Scaramucci said he wasn’t sure which approach Musk would take. Options could include integrating existing cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, XRP or Dogecoin.

Scaramucci also raised the possibility of Musk creating a proprietary coin. He compared this scenario to Telegram’s TON token. Another option mentioned was developing a stablecoin specifically for the X platform. These remain purely speculative scenarios with no supporting evidence.

Musk made comments about Bitcoin last year that showed increased openness to cryptocurrency. He stated that Bitcoin and Dogecoin are based on energy. Musk contrasted this with fiat currency, saying governments can issue fake fiat but it is impossible to fake energy. These philosophical remarks don’t translate to confirmed integration plans.

X has taken some steps toward cryptocurrency features. Nikita Bier, X’s Head of Product, announced development of smart cashtags. The feature will let users specify exact crypto assets when posting ticker symbols. Users can tap these tickers to see real-time pricing in their timeline. This represents X’s most concrete cryptocurrency-related product announcement to date.

The post Elon Musk XRP Rumors Explode: Is X Payments Getting Crypto Integration appeared first on CoinCentral.