Trump, Bukele White House Meeting: Bitcoin Takes a Backseat
Trump and Bukele's White House Meeting: Bitcoin on the Sidelines
US President Donald Trump and El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele met at the White House on April 14th. The discussions focused primarily on trade and immigration, notably omitting Bitcoin from the public agenda. This is surprising given both leaders' previous pro-Bitcoin positions.
Key Discussion Points:
- Immigration and Security: The meeting centered on migration issues and bilateral security cooperation. President Trump proposed expanding El Salvador's prison system to house US citizens convicted of crimes, furthering an existing agreement where the US pays El Salvador to house Venezuelan gang suspects.
- Trade: President Trump hinted at potential temporary exemptions for US automakers facing challenges due to the ongoing trade war, suggesting a possible easing of supply chain transition pressures.
Despite both presidents' past pro-crypto initiatives, Bitcoin and digital asset policy were not publicly discussed. El Salvador adopted Bitcoin as legal tender in 2021, and Trump signed an executive order in March 2025 to establish a US Bitcoin strategic reserve. The US reportedly holds nearly 198,000 BTC, valued at over $17 billion in March 2025, primarily acquired through seizures from criminal cases.
El Salvador's Bitcoin Strategy and IMF Pressure:
El Salvador's Bitcoin strategy faces opposition from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). A $1.4 billion loan agreement reached in December 2024 included commitments to reduce public sector involvement with Bitcoin. While El Salvador amended its Bitcoin laws in January 2025 to comply, the government continues daily BTC purchases. According to the country's National Bitcoin Office, El Salvador currently holds 6,147.18 BTC, worth approximately $520.7 million at the time of writing.
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