Speculation has resurfaced within the cryptocurrency community over whether the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) could initiate another lawsuit against Ripple. The renewed discussion followed a sharply worded letter sent by House Democrats to SEC Chair Paul Atkins.
In the letter, lawmakers criticized the SEC’s recent decision to abandon several high-profile crypto enforcement actions, including its long-running case against Ripple. According to the legislators, at least 12 crypto companies benefited from these dismissals after allegedly providing substantial political donations to powerful figures.
This accusation prompted some market observers to question whether political pressure could force the SEC to revive its legal battle with Ripple. However, prominent crypto lawyer and XRP legal analyst Bill Morgan has firmly rejected that possibility.
Legal Doctrine Prevents Case Reopening
Responding to the speculation, Morgan explained that U.S. law prevents the SEC from relitigating the same claims against Ripple or any of the other affected companies. He cited the legal principle known as res judicata, which bars parties from reopening cases that have already received a final judgment.
In a post on social media, Morgan bluntly stated that the SEC cannot pursue the same allegations again, adding, “Res Judicata baby. Live with it.”
Under this doctrine, once a court has conclusively ruled on a matter, the same parties cannot bring the same dispute back to court. As a result, regardless of political criticism or public pressure, the Ripple case remains legally closed.
Ripple Case Considered Final
The Ripple lawsuit, first filed by the SEC in December 2020, accused the company of selling XRP as an unregistered security. The case began under former SEC Chair Jay Clayton and quickly became one of the most significant legal battles in crypto history.
Ripple consistently denied the allegations and defended itself in court. In June 2023, U.S. District Judge Analisa Torres delivered a landmark ruling that favored Ripple, marking a major victory for the company and the broader crypto industry. Although procedural matters extended the case into 2025, the dispute has now been fully resolved.
Other Crypto Firms Also Protected
In addition to Ripple, House Financial Services Democrats named several other crypto firms in their letter, including Binance, Coinbase, Kraken, Robinhood, and Crypto.com. The lawmakers alleged that each company donated at least $1 million in political contributions.
Despite these claims, legal experts maintain that previously dismissed or resolved cases cannot be reopened under existing U.S. law.
With the lawsuit now firmly behind it, Ripple has shifted its focus toward expanding its core business and strengthening its position in global payments.
