First President to Go Crypto: Trump Buys Burgers with Bitcoin in Public Display

• Trump’s public Bitcoin purchase marks a significant shift in his stance, embracing cryptocurrency and signaling support for the crypto community.
• By using Bitcoin publicly, Trump aims to mainstream crypto, promising a crypto-friendly U.S. as part of his campaign strategy.

In a surprising move ahead of his Long Island rally, Former and also Candidate President, Donald Trump made headlines when he visited Pubkey Bar, a Bitcoin-themed bar in Greenwich Village, New York. Trump treated his supporters to burgers, paying with Bitcoin in a public display of his newfound interest in cryptocurrency.

Despite advice from some experts to abandon the project due to political risks, Trump pushed forward. As recently reported by CNF, in a short video shared via tweet by Margo Martin, Deputy Director of Communications for Donald J. Trump for President, the crowd cheered as Trump referred to the silver-wrapped burgers as “Crypto Burgers.”

“The first transaction by a President on the Bitcoin protocol”

History! pic.twitter.com/in6kwcHmik

— Margo Martin (@margommartin) September 18, 2024

This marked the first time Trump used cryptocurrency in public, a significant shift from his earlier stance when he called Bitcoin a “scam.”

Trump’s perspective on crypto has changed drastically. Once a vocal critic, he now openly embraces Bitcoin and has been accepting donations in the currency since May. His goal is ambitious: to turn the U.S. into the “crypto capital of the world.” At Pubkey, Trump spent approximately $1,000 on burgers via the Lightning Network, which allows for faster Bitcoin transactions.

Trump’s appearance at Pubkey wasn’t just a publicity stunt—it was part of a calculated strategy. By engaging with the crypto community, he hopes to secure the votes of Bitcoin enthusiasts. As part of his campaign, Trump promises to foster a crypto-friendly environment in the U.S. At the Bitcoin 2024 conference in Nashville, he vowed to appoint regulators who support cryptocurrency.

A Bold Move for Crypto’s Future: What’s Next for Trump and Crypto?

As CNF also highlighted before, Trump’s public use of Bitcoin sets him apart as the first president to do so, signaling his commitment to mainstreaming cryptocurrency. While many of his supporters applauded the move, it sparked discussions about Bitcoin’s future and how mainstream acceptance might be accelerated. Pubkey co-owner Thomas Pacchia even called it a “coming of age” moment for the Bitcoin community, marking a significant step toward legitimizing cryptocurrency.

Trump knows how to make a statement. Stopping at a Bitcoin bar, buying burgers with Bitcoin, and calling them “Crypto Burgers” shows his dedication to bringing cryptocurrency into the mainstream. While his pro-crypto stance is clear, questions remain about how his policies will unfold and whether this bold move will attract more voters. Only time will tell if Trump’s crypto push will reshape the political landscape.

According to CoinMarketCap, Bitcoin (BTC) is trading at $62,036.46, having surged by 3.36% in the past day and 6.65% in the past week.