Former U.S. President Donald Trump made headlines recently by conducting a public Bitcoin transaction, marking a significant moment in both his career and the cryptocurrency world. On September 19, Trump visited PubKey Bar, a crypto-themed establishment in New York, where he purchased several hamburgers using Bitcoin. This event is historic, as it’s the first time a former U.S. president has publicly used cryptocurrency for a transaction. The purchase, which totaled $998.70 for dozens of burgers, was processed through Strike, a popular Bitcoin payment app using the Lightning Network. PubKey used Zaprite to handle the transaction on the receiving end. Drew Armstrong, co-founder of PubKey, confirmed the sale, adding that Trump himself distributed the burgers, humorously labeling them “crypto burgers.” The event sparked excitement among patrons and cemented Trump’s latest involvement with cryptocurrency.
Speculation Surrounds Trump’s Crypto Involvement
This Bitcoin purchase has drawn significant attention, especially given Trump’s previously skeptical stance on cryptocurrencies. Many wonder if this move is part of a campaign strategy aimed at appealing to crypto enthusiasts. His increased engagement with the crypto space comes after an assassination attempt and as he continues to build momentum ahead of upcoming elections.
Trump Launches Private Token via World Liberty Financial
In addition to the Bitcoin transaction, Trump recently announced the launch of a private token through World Liberty Financial. This new token will function similarly to voting shares in publicly traded companies, allowing holders to vote on governance issues. Whether Trump’s foray into cryptocurrency signals a genuine shift in his views or is simply a political maneuver remains to be seen.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are for informational purposes only and do not constitute financial, investment, or other advice. Investing in or trading crypto assets comes with a risk of financial loss.